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
Kirklees Council has submitted revised plans for the George Hotel, seeking to increase the number of rooms while preserving the building’s character. Having worked closely with architects and Historic England, the council have identified an opportunity to rework the original plans for the interior creating 17 more rooms whilst still
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former Granada cinema building in east London on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, delivering a transformative project that has reinvested millions into the local community. It opens as a new cultural and entertainment venue, managed by Soho Theatre Walthamstow,
GMI Construction Group is celebrating the opening of Dakota Newcastle, the North East’s first Dakota Hotel, which it constructed on the city’s bustling Quayside. The luxury 118-room boutique hotel, located at St Anne’s Wharf, has now opened its doors to guests and is set to become a key player within
David Lloyd Leisure, Europe’s leading health, fitness and wellness group, has submitted a planning application to Wirral Council for a new club at Wirral Waters. The proposed club, set to create up to 100 permanent jobs upon completion, will be located at Peel Waters’ Bidston Dock site off Wallasey Bridge
Travelodge has announced the acquisition of 11 hotels across the UK, marking a major step forward in its ambitious growth plans. The move expands the brand’s UK portfolio to nearly 600 hotels, with the company aiming to open a further 300 nationwide. Nine of the newly acquired sites are former
Hollywood Bowl has commenced fit-out works for its latest venue at Hammerson’s The Oracle in Reading, with an official opening slated for this summer. The £4.5 million investment will deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment hub featuring 24 bowling lanes, an extensive amusement arcade, and a vibrant themed bar and diner. The
Whitbread PLC, the owner of the Premier Inn hotel chain, has revealed the location for its newest Dublin hotel, with plans submitted to redevelop a site at Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, into a new 155-bedroom Premier Inn. Development partners Greenleaf Group and Warren Private have submitted a planning application to
A spectacular new chapter in UK tourism is about to begin, as Universal announces plans to build its first European theme park and resort – right in the heart of Bedfordshire. In a landmark deal between Universal Destinations & Experiences, the UK government, and Bedford Borough Council, a multi-billion-pound investment
Kirklees Council is set to complete its ambitious redevelopment of New Street by unveiling a special literary tribute to the town. The final touch to the major improvement project will be a poem by National Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, a Marsden native, celebrating Huddersfield, its people, and its traditions. The
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
Kirklees Council has submitted revised plans for the George Hotel, seeking to increase the number of rooms while preserving the building’s character. Having worked closely with architects and Historic England, the council have identified an opportunity to rework the original plans for the interior creating 17 more rooms whilst still preserving the building’s beautiful architecture and heritage. This is the second planning application submitted by the council for the refurbishment of the historic George Hotel. The revised plans come following a large amount of the restoration now being completed in preparation for the renovation works. The revised plans would see the number of rooms planned increase from 91 to 108. Expanding the hotel’s capacity in this way would enable it to support more guests and generate more income to repay the council’s £30million investment. Huddersfield town centre is continuing to benefit from major cultural, business and education investments. In addition, the multimillion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade is improving connectivity and Huddersfield Railway Station itself, which is on the George’s doorstep. All of these investments will contribute to attracting more visitors to the town which is why it is important to capitalise on the building’s possibilities and increase capacity. 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, hotel will be perfectly placed to thrive and channel current investment back into the local economy.” The George is a key priority within the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s master plan to transform the town centre, and once restored it will be managed by internationally renowned hotelier Radisson. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former Granada cinema building in east London on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, delivering a transformative project that has reinvested millions into the local community. It opens as a new cultural and entertainment venue, managed by Soho Theatre Walthamstow, from May 2025. The Grade II* listed building has been transformed into a modern, 960-seat multi-purpose cultural venue, providing a vibrant space for residents, communities and businesses. The restoration, originally budgeted at £30 million, was shaped by extensive consultation with local people, ensuring it meets the needs of Walthamstow’s cultural scene and night-time economy. The theatre includes a fully restored and refurbished main auditorium, complete with new stage and seating arrangements to enhance sightlines and acoustics. There are three new bar areas, two studio spaces, a media suite and a café catering to local residents and visiting audiences. Willmott Dixon Interiors has carefully revived the historic features of the building, using an “arrested decay” approach in the main auditorium which retains the character of the space, whilst key features such as the foyer, ziggurat ceiling and main façade have been restored and repaired. The venue will house the very best UK and international comedy, theatre, cabaret and panto, alongside a lively creative engagement programme. It will support the local and night-time economy, providing jobs and a boost to existing businesses. More than £6.7 million in social and economic value has been invested by Willmott Dixon Interiors into Waltham Forest’s communities during the project’s delivery. This includes a significant commitment to locally based supply chain partners and the creation of over 60 new jobs. Staff from Willmott Dixon Interiors also donated a combined total of more than 4,000 hours dedicated to supporting unemployed people into work, offering training, apprenticeship and work experience opportunities for young people aged 16-24. Simon Wilson, operations director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, commented: “Restoring the Grade II* listed former Granada cinema has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Not only have we brought this much-loved building back to life as a world-class entertainment venue, but we have also delivered substantial social and economic value for the local community. “Our project team has successfully balanced the preservation of the building’s heritage with the need for a modern, functional space. We’re proud to have played a part in its revival and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the local community for years to come.” Cllr Ahsan Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and regeneration said: “We are thrilled that after years of dedicated restoration the former Granada cinema building reopened its doors as Soho Theatre Walthamstow this May. The revival of this iconic venue embodies our vision of Waltham Forest as a vibrant neighbourhood where there is culture on every corner. “Our investment will create new job opportunities for local people, provide an important boost to the night-time economy, and open up the joy of creating and performing to a new generation. The long-term benefits will make a real difference for everyone that lives, works, or studies in Waltham Forest.” Courtney Cole, client relationship manager – South at Procurement Hub, said: “We’re proud to celebrate the completion of the former Granada cinema building – a stunning restoration of a 1930s cinema-turned-theatre. Thanks to the vision of the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the expertise of Willmott Dixon Interiors, the building has been transformed into a vibrant, multi-use space for the local community. It’s been a pleasure working with both parties on bringing this historic gem back to life.” The restoration of the venue, opening as Soho Theatre Walthamstow, is part of Waltham Forest Council’s London Borough of Culture 2019 legacy. Design architects, Pilbrow & Partners, fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, and construction architects, Bond Bryan, designed, renovated, refurbished and breathed new life into the historic building, with guidance from Historic England and expertise from the council’s conservation and project team, alongside Soho Theatre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group is celebrating the opening of Dakota Newcastle, the North East’s first Dakota Hotel, which it constructed on the city’s bustling Quayside. The luxury 118-room boutique hotel, located at St Anne’s Wharf, has now opened its doors to guests and is set to become a key player within the region’s hospitality sector. The project has transformed the landmark building into a deluxe venue to further bolster Newcastle’s reputation as a major visitor hub. As the principal contractor, GMI successfully regenerated and upgraded the vacant office building to create the upscale hospitality venue. Its completion marks the fourth Dakota Hotel delivered by GMI for the brand’s owners Evans Property Group, following successful projects in Leeds, Manchester, and Glasgow, with a fifth hotel currently under development at Manchester Airport. Gary Oates, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director for the North East, said: “We are delighted to have completed Dakota Newcastle, marking our latest successful collaboration with the Dakota brand. This is a key milestone in the regeneration of the Quayside and this project showcases our expertise in high-end hospitality developments, as well as our commitment to delivering exceptional construction solutions that elevate cityscapes. “The transformation of this landmark site is a testament to GMI’s dedication to preserving architectural heritage while introducing contemporary design and sustainable solutions. The result is a stylish and sophisticated venue that will enhance Newcastle’s status as a top-tier hospitality and tourism destination.” The design of Dakota Newcastle retains many of the original architectural features of the former office building while introducing a striking new entrance, a signature ground-floor Bar & Grill, and upgraded guest accommodations. The hotel also incorporates renewable energy technology, including PV panels and Air Source Heat Pumps, ensuring a commitment to sustainability. The site, which previously housed law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, underwent a complete transformation to meet the Dakota brand’s high standards of luxury and contemporary hospitality. The reconfigured courtyard at the front now serves as a convenient vehicle drop-off area, while bedroom terraces on the first floor offer guests an enhanced experience. Marc Banks, of Evans Property Group, added: “We are incredibly proud to have brought the Dakota brand to Newcastle, a city known for its dynamic spirit and vibrant hospitality scene. This hotel will set new standards in style and service, offering visitors a world-class experience in the heart of the Quayside.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
David Lloyd Leisure, Europe’s leading health, fitness and wellness group, has submitted a planning application to Wirral Council for a new club at Wirral Waters. The proposed club, set to create up to 100 permanent jobs upon completion, will be located at Peel Waters’ Bidston Dock site off Wallasey Bridge Road. It forms a key part of David Lloyd’s continued UK expansion and represents a significant milestone for the Wirral Waters development. Spanning six acres, the new facility will feature a wide array of state-of-the-art amenities, including indoor and outdoor heated pools, a spa garden, three weather-protected tennis courts, six canopy-covered padel courts, making it the largest padel facility on the Wirral, a sports hall with two courts, a high-spec gym, a children’s play area, and a café lounge. In line with David Lloyd Leisure’s commitment to building positive, wellness-focused communities, the club will be designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing. The company also aims to explore local partnerships and has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with the new site set to incorporate the latest in sustainable building technologies. The club will be highly accessible, with close proximity to major transport links including the M53 motorway, the Mersey Tunnel, and Birkenhead North train station. Currently, the nearest David Lloyd locations are in Cheshire Oaks and Speke, making this development a welcome addition for residents across the Wirral. Beyond the long-term employment opportunities, the construction phase is expected to generate around 60 jobs, further supporting the local economy. The submission is part of David Lloyd’s broader national growth strategy, which includes recently announced new sites in Gloucestershire and Buckinghamshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge has announced the acquisition of 11 hotels across the UK, marking a major step forward in its ambitious growth plans. The move expands the brand’s UK portfolio to nearly 600 hotels, with the company aiming to open a further 300 nationwide. Nine of the newly acquired sites are former Hotel Campanile properties, comprising a total of 951 rooms. Of these, five are freehold acquisitions, while four are being secured on long leaseholds. The hotels are located in key cities including Birmingham, Bradford, Dartford, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Northampton, Milton Keynes and Swindon. In addition, Travelodge has recently exchanged contracts on two more hotels: a former Ibis in Bromsgrove and the independent CitiLodge in Wakefield. The Bromsgrove site, which features 43 rooms, has been taken on a new 25-year lease and is currently undergoing a full refurbishment to align with Travelodge’s brand standards. It is expected to open in May. Meanwhile, the Wakefield hotel – offering 74 rooms – is being converted to the Travelodge brand by the current owner. Once the refurbishment is complete in August, Travelodge will take on a new 25-year lease at the property. The company has also just opened a fully refitted hotel in Bromley town centre, also formerly an Ibis, following an exchange of contracts in January. Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge, commented:“The acquisition of these hotels marks another positive step in our UK development strategy, as we seek to grow and optimise our estate while enhancing value through a balanced mix of freehold and leasehold properties. There are still many towns and cities across the UK and Spain where we can open a new Travelodge to provide high-quality, great-value accommodation.” He added:“Rebranding and refitting properties is a key element of our growth plan. With over 300 more hotels on our UK target list, we remain actively on the lookout for the right opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hollywood Bowl has commenced fit-out works for its latest venue at Hammerson’s The Oracle in Reading, with an official opening slated for this summer. The £4.5 million investment will deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment hub featuring 24 bowling lanes, an extensive amusement arcade, and a vibrant themed bar and diner. The new Hollywood Bowl will complement the existing leisure and food & beverage offering at The Oracle, joining a dynamic mix of restaurants, bars, cafés, and a cinema. This opening forms part of Hammerson’s broader strategy to reposition The Oracle, which includes transforming a former department store into modern, mixed-use space. In total, approximately 40% of the centre—around 320,000 square feet—is undergoing redevelopment, marking it as Hammerson’s most ambitious transformation project to date. Rita-Rose Gagné, CEO of Hammerson, commented:“We are proud to be partnering with Hollywood Bowl and are thrilled by their commitment and scale of investment. It’s a significant endorsement of The Oracle’s strength, its catchment, and the demand we’ve cultivated over the years. The venue will further establish The Oracle as a vibrant, all-day destination.” Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl Group, added:“We’re excited to announce the opening of our newest centre at The Oracle in Reading—a significant milestone in our strategic UK expansion. This venue underlines our commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences, catering to families, friends, and corporate groups alike in the heart of Reading.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread PLC, the owner of the Premier Inn hotel chain, has revealed the location for its newest Dublin hotel, with plans submitted to redevelop a site at Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, into a new 155-bedroom Premier Inn. Development partners Greenleaf Group and Warren Private have submitted a planning application to demolish the vacant Westbrook Motors building and build a new latest format Premier Inn hotel. The site is situated in a prime location near Heuston Station, on the River Liffey and by famous Dublin 8 pub Ryan’s of Parkgate Street. Whitbread previously partnered with Greenleaf Group and Warren Private on its first Premier Inn hotel in Ireland – at Lower Stephen’s Street, Dublin 2 – and its Cork hotel which opened its doors in 2024. Furthermore, Warren Private and Greenleaf Group sold the site at 29-30 Ushers Quay, Dublin 8 where Whitbread shortly intends to commence construction on a new 100-bedroom hotel. Parkgate Street is the latest commitment by Whitbread in Ireland as it targets a network of 5,000 Premier Inn rooms across the country. The company currently offers a choice of six hotels across Dublin and Cork and has more than +1,000 new hotel rooms in its secure development pipeline across both cities. Matt Gent, Development Manager for Whitbread in Ireland, said: “Premier Inn is growing from strength to strength in Ireland. Submitting a planning application for what will become our third Premier Inn hotel in Dublin 8 is a huge achievement for the business and will deliver another excellent location for our customers as we aim to become the number one budget hotel chain in Ireland. “Parkgate Street site is in an exciting and vibrant area of the city, and we are confident a Premier Inn hotel will trade strongly there given the proximity to Heuston Station and the many leisure attractions and leisure businesses nearby. “With significant additional bedroom requirements yet to fulfil in Dublin and elsewhere, we’re actively seeking additional freehold and leasehold opportunities for Premier Inn across Ireland as we work to establish a national network of budget hotels for our domestic and international customers”. Mark Elliott, Director of Dublin-based Greenleaf Group said: “We are very pleased to once again be partnering with Warren Private and Whitbread to regenerate this high-profile Dublin 8 site and deliver a high-quality new 155-bedroom Premier Inn hotel. “This is a continuation of our tried and tested partnership with Warren Private and Whitbread. Our completed Premier Inn hotels are now open and trading well in Dublin and Cork, and we’re certain this strategically important location will be a success. “We very much hope that the proposal will be favourably considered by Dublin City Council, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders during the planning and development of the site.” Premier Inn has a target list of 14 locations for Premier Inn in Ireland including Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Limerick and Waterford. The business is seeking sites as freeholds, leaseholds, conversions as well as going concern asset purchases. The full list of target locations for Premier Inn in Ireland is available here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A spectacular new chapter in UK tourism is about to begin, as Universal announces plans to build its first European theme park and resort – right in the heart of Bedfordshire. In a landmark deal between Universal Destinations & Experiences, the UK government, and Bedford Borough Council, a multi-billion-pound investment will bring a world-class entertainment resort to a 476-acre site in Bedford, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and doors opening in 2031. Set to become the largest visitor attraction in the UK, the resort is forecast to welcome 8.5 million guests in its first year alone and deliver a staggering £50 billion boost to the economy by 2055. The project is also expected to generate around 28,000 new jobs – with nearly 20,000 created during construction and a further 8,000 in hospitality, creative industries, tourism and tech, including AI. The theme park will feature several immersive, Universal-themed lands inspired by the studio’s blockbuster films, including the likes of Minions, Jurassic Park, and Jaws. In addition to thrilling rides and cutting-edge attractions, the site will include a 500-room hotel, a bustling retail and dining complex, and new entertainment venues. Universal is also working with local colleges and universities to ensure training and job opportunities for residents, further strengthening ties with the community. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the project as a “game-changer” for the region and the country: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford become home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe.This is our Plan for Change in action – delivering growth, thousands of jobs, and real opportunities for people. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: “This investment is a vote of confidence in Britain’s future. Universal’s commitment will bring billions into the economy and transform lives through job creation and economic growth.” Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and part of our vision to bring Universal experiences to new audiences around the globe. We’re excited about what lies ahead.” The government has pledged major investment in transport and infrastructure to ensure the resort is accessible and seamlessly connected to surrounding areas. The development is still subject to planning approvals, with proposals due to be submitted soon. With a bold vision, global backing, and the promise of economic transformation, Universal’s arrival in Bedford is set to make history – turning the county into a leading global destination for family entertainment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kirklees Council is set to complete its ambitious redevelopment of New Street by unveiling a special literary tribute to the town. The final touch to the major improvement project will be a poem by National Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, a Marsden native, celebrating Huddersfield, its people, and its traditions. The poem, written specifically for the New Street regeneration, has been part of the vision from the outset, and its installation marks the poetic conclusion of the street’s transformation. While the full text remains under wraps for now, the council has confirmed it will be revealed once it takes its place on New Street, allowing residents, businesses, and visitors the first opportunity to experience it in its intended setting. This artistic addition is one of many initiatives reflecting Huddersfield’s growing cultural landscape. The town is on the brink of a major regeneration through the ‘Our Cultural Heart’ project, one of the largest town centre redevelopments in northern England. Located just around the corner from New Street, the project will bring new opportunities in art, music, history, and culture while boosting footfall in the town centre. The first phase of this landmark transformation, which includes a new library hub, food hall, and public square, is scheduled to open in spring next year. Additionally, planning permission has recently been granted for the second phase, which will see the introduction of a new museum and gallery. Across Huddersfield, these regeneration efforts are placing a strong emphasis on celebrating local creativity and heritage. To minimise disruption to local businesses, the council has ensured that the installation of the poetic paving stones will be carefully managed. The work will begin on 22 April and take place over 16 weeks, with only small sections of the street cordoned off at a time. Business entrances will remain accessible, and the enhancements are expected to be completed in time for the bustling summer months, when many cafés and restaurants extend their seating onto the street. Furthermore, the installation will not compromise accessibility. The poetic paving stones have been designed to integrate seamlessly with the tactile paving introduced in earlier improvements, ensuring that visually impaired individuals can navigate the street safely and comfortably. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
