Pizza Express is set to expand its presence at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, taking a 3,675 sq ft unit within Cribbs Mall’s food court. The new restaurant will be the brand’s second in the area, joining its existing venue at Cribbs Venue. The site, formerly occupied by Café Rouge, has been secured on a 15-year lease. Once open, Pizza Express will sit alongside a wide mix of food and beverage operators at Cribbs Mall, including Nando’s, Slim Chickens, Chopstix, Burger King and Patisserie Valerie. The move follows YO! Sushi’s lease renewal at Cribbs Mall last year, while Burger King and KFC have recently upgraded their restaurants at Cribbs Venue. The ongoing activity highlights growing confidence among established operators in the destination. Iain Minto, senior director of asset management at Sovereign Centros by CBRE, said:“Established restaurant operators are eager to benefit from our affluent catchment area and this letting to Pizza Express is a prime example of that demand. We are also pleased to see popular brands such as YO! Sushi, Burger King and KFC invest in their spaces, highlighting the confidence they have in Cribbs. We look forward to working with our F&B occupiers as we create an environment that ensures they thrive, whilst looking to secure new arrivals maintaining our place as one of the South West’s premier visitor attractions.” Sovereign Centros by CBRE provides asset management services at Cribbs on behalf of M&G Real Estate. Time Retail Partners and Cushman & Wakefield are retained letting agents for the centre, with Green & Partners acting as leasing advisory agents. The new Pizza Express will add to Cribbs Causeway’s evolving dining line-up, strengthening its position as a key retail and leisure destination for the South West. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Canary Wharf is set to gain a striking new leisure attraction as Canary Wharf Group (CWG) unveils plans for a 50-metre natural lido at Eden Dock. The new facility, to be named Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, will include a six-lane open-air pool, a community clubhouse, saunas, and a carefully curated food and beverage offer. Designed, built, and operated by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton – the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre – the project will provide Londoners with a distinctive space for health, wellbeing, and community activity. The pool itself will be 50 metres long, with six lanes and a uniform depth of 1.3 metres. Floating in the dock and cut off from the River Thames, it will use natural filtration to maintain clean water. Eden Dock is already recognised for its excellent water quality under EU bathing standards, making it a popular spot for open water swimmers nationwide. CWG’s Chief Executive, Shobi Khan, said:“Almost one year on from the opening of Eden Dock, we’re making another bold step forward in the enhancement of our green and blue spaces at Canary Wharf. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will build on the success of Eden Dock as a unique wellness destination, where access to nature, leisure and world-class amenities are seamlessly integrated.” Eden Dock itself was created in partnership with the Eden Project and has been transformed into an urban oasis in the heart of Canary Wharf. With planting, wildlife habitats, and access to the water, it offers opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and enjoying cultural performances along the waterfront. The new lido is expected to cement Canary Wharf’s reputation not just as a financial centre, but also as a growing hub for health, leisure, and community life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cardiff’s long-anticipated 16,500-capacity indoor arena has taken a major step forward, with financial close now officially reached on the £300 million project. The development, backed by Cardiff Council and a consortium led by Live Nation and Robertson Property, has also named McLaren Construction as the main contractor, with work set to begin immediately. Originally estimated at £280 million in March 2023, rising inflation has pushed the cost of the scheme past the £300 million mark. The arena is now on track for completion and opening in 2028. Designed to attract major touring acts and global performers, the new venue is expected to transform Cardiff’s music and cultural landscape, while also delivering significant economic and social impact to the region. Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas said: “This arena will transform Cardiff’s visitor economy in a way nothing has since the stadium opened in 1999. It’s not just about the bricks and mortar; it’s about underpinning and enhancing Cardiff’s status as a vibrant, dynamic destination for music and culture. “The project will ensure that Cardiff continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and innovation. It is the cornerstone of our Music City strategy, which aims to support every part of Cardiff’s music ecosystem – from musicians to producers, promoters, and venues. “But crucially, this project will drive economic growth and social value, particularly in the area surrounding the arena, creating jobs and lifting horizons in some of Wales’ most economically-challenged communities. It is for all these reasons that the arena has been a priority for this Council administration for over a decade, and why I’m delighted that this decisive milestone has now been achieved.” Elliot Robertson, chief executive of Robertson Group, added: “The Cardiff Arena marks a transformative moment for the city, bringing world-class live entertainment to the city while driving significant economic and social benefits. This project is more than just a venue; it’s a catalyst for growth, creating over a thousand jobs, boosting local businesses, and solidifying Cardiff’s position as a cultural and creative hub on the global stage.” With work now underway, the Cardiff Arena stands poised to become a landmark destination, promising not only to enhance the city’s international profile but to generate lasting benefits for local communities and businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

UK’s largest hotel company signs agreement for lease with Frank Capital for prominent Lower Bristol Road site Whitbread plc, the UK’s largest hospitality business and owner of Premier Inn, has committed to opening a second Premier Inn hotel in Bath city centre after signing an agreement for lease with Frank Capital for a prominent development site on Lower Bristol Road, BA2. The former Beazer House office building, currently vacant, will be demolished to make way for a new six-storey, 68,000 sq ft Premier Inn hotel. The latest-format hotel will feature 152-bedrooms alongside an on-site restaurant and bar on the ground floor. Located within a 10-minute walk of Bath Spa railway station and the city’s iconic Roman Baths, the site is ideally positioned to attract Premier Inn’s leisure guests. Bath welcomes approximately six million overnight and day visitors annually according to Bath and North East Somerset Council[1]. Construction of the new hotel is expected to begin in early 2026, with the hotel targeted to open in 2028. Upon completion, it will expand Premier Inn’s presence in Bath City Centre to two hotels and more than 250 affordable bedrooms. Paul Smith, Acquisition Manager for Whitbread, said:  “Securing a new location for our customers in Bath City Centre is a significant achievement in our south-west growth story. There is a well-known undersupply of budget hotel rooms in Bath, and this new location will help us to meet the consistently high, year-round demand we see for Premier Inn bedrooms in city. “Our guests are sure to love the prime, central location, just minutes from world-famous visitor attractions and Bath Spa train station, and we anticipate they will make a significant contribution to the city’s visitor and business economy through their spending during their stay.   “We are excited to get construction underway next year and add another superb location to our popular network of hotels in the south-west.” The Lower Bristol Road Premier Inn will feature a mix of Premier Inn’s latest format ‘standard’ rooms as well as its popular ‘enhanced’ Premier Plus bedrooms. Whitbread secured the opportunity to occupy the location following a competitive bidding process.   Natasha El Shazly, General Counsel at Frank Capital, said:   “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Whitbread and now look forward to working with the design team, led by TP Bennett, to deliver an exemplary new build hotel that is both respectful of its significant heritage context and forward thinking in its approach to sustainability.” In line with Whitbread’s sustainability programme, Force For Good, the new Premier Inn is being designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and will be run solely on electricity generated from renewable sources. Whitbread has a published target to reduce the carbon emissions from its direct operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) to zero by 2040.  The acquisition of the Lower Road site is part of Whitbread’s ongoing expansion of Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn in the UK and Ireland. The company currently offers its customers a choice of 850 locations, and more than 85,000 bedrooms, and sees the potential to grow its hotel network to 125,000 UK and Ireland rooms. Savills led the market engagement for Frank Capital. Whitbread was advised by Sisman Property Consultants. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Chopstix has opened a new restaurant in Hull, marking its first location in the Yorkshire city. Situated on the corner of King Edward Street and Jameson Street, the new store features the quick-service restaurant brand’s refreshed design identity and upgraded operational systems, creating a more efficient and engaging customer experience. The opening is the latest in a wave of expansion for Chopstix, following recent launches in Brighton, Wolverhampton, and Huddersfield. The brand’s nationwide growth has been fuelled by investment from QSR group QSRP in 2023, which continues to back Chopstix’s UK development while also supporting exploration into European opportunities. Menashe Sadik, co-founder and director at Chopstix, said:“We’re delighted to open in Hull, bringing our bold Chinese-inspired flavours to another vibrant UK city centre. With its strong footfall and dynamic retail core, Hull is a fantastic location for our next restaurant, and we are confident it will perform strongly within our portfolio. This expansion reflects the momentum behind the brand as we continue to grow across the country.” The Hull launch further reinforces Chopstix’s position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands, with a strategy focused on high-traffic locations and delivering an accessible, flavour-led menu to a broad customer base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Snap Fitness has marked a major milestone with the opening of its 100th UK gym in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, as the franchised operator continues its rapid nationwide expansion. Since launching its first UK site in Sittingbourne, Kent, in 2012, the brand has grown to 106 gyms across the UK and Ireland, outpacing all other franchised gym operators in terms of new openings over the past three years. Its latest wave of growth is being driven by both long-standing franchisees scaling their investment and new partners joining the business at record levels. Kevin Yates, CEO of Snap Fitness EMEA, said: “This is a great landmark for Snap Fitness in the UK which we’re all really proud of. So much hard work has gone into getting the brand to where it is today and we’re all really excited about the direction we’re heading in. We have a fantastic network of franchisees and we’re striving to continue providing them with a product that stands out in the market. Investing in our member experience is a key priority for us and with more technology being integrated into our offering, as well as the upcoming launch of Reformer Pilates, the future is bright for us.” Alongside this landmark opening, Snap Fitness has released its latest property requirements as it targets further locations nationwide. The operator is seeking units between 6,000 and 12,500 sq ft, with a preference for retail park or roadside settings that benefit from nearby free parking. Founded in 2003, Snap Fitness now operates more than 1,000 gyms across over 20 countries and has established itself as the sixth-largest gym operator in the UK and Ireland. It was recently recognised as the fastest-growing UK gym franchise in the 2025 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report, with membership increasing by 18% year-on-year against an industry backdrop of 5.4%. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Refurbishment works have officially begun at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre, marking the start of a £16.9 million project to transform the 40-year-old venue into a modern cultural hub for the town. Appointed via the South West Wales framework, Morgan Sindall Construction is leading the restoration on behalf of Neath Port Talbot Council as part of wider plans to revitalise the town centre. The project is funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which invests in local infrastructure projects with a visible impact on communities and their economies. The theatre’s makeover is designed to improve accessibility, attract a wider range of performances, and create a more welcoming visitor experience. Completion is scheduled for autumn 2026. The refurbishment will see the building stripped back to its bare brick and remodelled for improved customer flow. Upgrades include: Behind the stage, changes will make the venue more versatile for performers. The theatre will be extended by up to three metres to allow performers to move between wings without stairs, while a lift will provide direct access for large props from the car park to the stage. Exterior works include creating a small amphitheatre in place of the site’s fountain, drawing inspiration from Ancient Greek venues to host summer events. Rain gardens and extra greenery will be introduced to improve biodiversity and manage stormwater, while selected paving will be replaced with sustainable landscaping. To respect the theatre’s heritage, Morgan Sindall will recycle and reuse original materials. The white oak stage will be replaced with a sturdier black-painted ply stage, with sections of the old stage repurposed as internal features. Original balcony timber and internal brickwork will also be retained where possible. Morgan Sindall has pledged to use a local supply chain within 40 miles of the site and provide opportunities for apprentices and students during the project. Public works will be phased to minimise disruption, with car parking and town access maintained throughout construction. Once complete, the revamped theatre is expected to boost Port Talbot’s cultural offering and strengthen the town centre as a focal point for visitors and residents alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sustainable refurbishment specialist, Better Green Living, has been appointed to design the new canalside development at the UK’s largest live indoor arena, Co-op Live in Manchester. The 2,000 sq ft multi-functional hospitality space will enhance the visitor experience, creating a vibrant social hub for concertgoers, event attendees, and the community. This major contract win marks a pivotal moment in Better Green Living’s expansion within the commercial sector. The company is leading all aspects of project management, contractor coordination, and on-site execution to ensure a smooth and efficient build. Its expertise in commercial and student accommodation retrofitting has established it as a trusted name for sustainable, design-led construction in high-footfall environments. The development is designed to accommodate up to 500 guests and will feature a bar, café, dedicated seating areas, a merchandise store, kitchens and innovative beer walls to streamline service. Breaking from traditional construction methods, the canalside development is a 100% new build using repurposed shipping containers, reflecting Better Green Living’s commitment to sustainability. Every material is carefully sourced for recyclability and environmental provenance, ensuring the structure can be repurposed at the end of its minimum 10-year operational lifespan. The modular, container-based structure provides flexibility in design, creating a dynamic and visually striking hospitality hub. The project will mimic the aesthetic of Co-op Live, featuring a mesh-clad façade and multi-level arrangement, blending seamlessly with the arena’s industrial-chic architecture. Designed as a pre- and post-show destination, as well as a year-round community hub, the development will offer an engaging mix of entertainment, hospitality and retail – ensuring visitors enjoy a world-class experience outside the main arena. Edward Parsons, Co- Founder and Managing Director at Better Green Living, said: “Our ethos focuses on creating innovative spaces that prioritise sustainability without compromising on experience. Designing a venue for Co-op Live is an exciting opportunity to showcase how environmentally conscious construction can go hand-in-hand with exceptional design. As the commercial sector embraces more sustainable ways to build, this project proves that creative solutions can successfully balance function, aesthetics and sustainability while shaping the future of temporary venue spaces.” Better Green Living, part of Better Green Group, is a specialist refurbishment company dedicated to sustainable retrofitting and commercial fit-outs. Known for delivering high-profile refurbishment projects for King’s College London, the company continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in environmentally conscious construction. To find out more, visit: www.better-greenliving.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals