Wendy’s has opened its first West Midlands restaurant at Touchwood Solihull, taking a 15-year lease on a 3,069 sq ft unit within the scheme’s Jubilee Walk dining area. The American brand joins an established line-up of leisure and dining operators at Touchwood, including Wagamama, Nando’s, Pizza Express and a range of independents, alongside Cineworld and competitive socialising venue Spinners. Its arrival complements a strong retail offer at the destination. Apple has recently more than tripled its presence on site, joining John Lewis, Mango, Rituals, Tag Heuer, Miele and Oliver Bonas among others. Simon Phipps of Sovereign Centros from CBRE said: “Our approach focuses on bringing the brands and operators to Touchwood that people want to see, and Wendy’s certainly comes under that banner. This is a major US brand, choosing Touchwood for its only West Midlands restaurant, and we’re excited to see its arrival as part of our wider expansion of the destination’s leisure and dining offer.” Sovereign Centros from CBRE is asset manager for Touchwood. Cushman & Wakefield and Knight Frank are the retained leasing agents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Gym Group has issued an updated requirements list as it looks to speed up openings across the UK. The low-cost operator, now at 250 locations, is targeting units of 5,000–20,000 sq ft in highly visible spots and will consider both leasehold and freehold opportunities. Suitable sites include retail parks, mixed-use schemes, car showrooms and food stores. The company is prioritising catchments of at least 20,000 people within a five-minute drive time, with easy access to parking or strong links to nearby transport hubs. The push is part of a plan to add 50 gyms over the next three years. A strong pipeline is already in place, with 14–16 new locations due to open in 2025. Savills has been retained to identify opportunities and progress acquisitions. Landlords and agents with qualifying space are encouraged to get in touch, as The Gym Group looks to deploy its standardised, value-led format at pace in well-connected, high-visibility settings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wrexham AFC have appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North under a PCSA (Pre-Construction Services Agreement) for the redevelopment of the iconic Kop Stand at the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use – the STōK Cae Ras. The appointment marks the start of Wrexham AFC’s long-term vision for the stadium, while the redevelopment of the Kop Stand will not only be a physical transformation of the renowned Racecourse Ground, but a cultural and symbolic landmark in the Club’s historic journey. The return of the Kop Stand will restore the ground to its full four-sided structure, reinforcing Wrexham AFC’s ambitions on and off the pitch. Under the PCSA, McLaren Construction will lead on developing final designs, tendering subcontractor packages and refining construction timelines and delivery strategies for the works. Early works will begin later this month. The full build programme is scheduled for completion during the 2026/27 season. Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham AFC, said: “The appointment of McLaren under PCSA is a pivotal moment for the Club, not only in delivering on a long-standing promise to our supporters but in unlocking the potential of the Racecourse Ground as a top-tier venue for domestic and international football. The new Kop Stand will be the heart of the reimagined stadium – increasing capacity, enhancing the experience for fans, and anchoring our place in our home city and as part of the wider Gateway Partnership regeneration plans.” The new stand will ultimately increase stadium capacity to over 18,000 delivering modern facilities for Club stakeholders and enable the Club to achieve UEFA Category 4 compliance and host more international matches. As part of the wider Wrexham Gateway Partnership, which includes Wrexham University, Wrexham County Borough Council and the Welsh Government, the Kop Stand redevelopment is the first major step in a series of transformational projects designed to enhance the city’s infrastructure and public realm. Joel Casstles, Operations Director at McLaren Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of a project with such historical, cultural, and sporting significance. Wrexham AFC holds a special place in the heart of the community, and we’re committed to delivering a high-quality scheme that supports the Club’s ambitions, creates local employment opportunities, and celebrates the legacy of this unique football ground.” Progress updates and further construction milestones will be shared via Wrexham AFC’s official channels as the project advances. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Travelodge has begun construction on a new 182-room hotel at Cardiff Bay’s Atlantic Wharf, directly next to the city’s upcoming 16,500-seat national arena. The hotel is part of the wider regeneration of the area and is set to become a flagship addition to the budget hotel chain’s growing UK portfolio. The new arena, operated by Live Nation, is expected to attract world-class artists and entertainment to the Welsh capital. Located just a five-minute walk from Cardiff Bay Station and with direct links via Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central, the hotel will also provide designated parking on site and additional parking nearby as part of the wider redevelopment. The property will showcase Travelodge’s next-generation design, featuring a contemporary reception area, upgraded guest rooms, and the 85 Bar Café, where visitors can relax before or after events. Delivered by McLaren Construction as principal contractor, the hotel forms part of the arena development being brought forward in partnership with Live Nation, Robertson Property, and Cardiff City Council. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director at Travelodge, said: “We’re very excited to begin construction on our new hotel at the national arena in Cardiff. Once finished, the arena will hold world class events, making it a prime location for visitors, and the 182-room Travelodge will be one of our flagship assets, providing a well-connected, great-value base for business and leisure customers attending events at the new area or visiting Cardiff and the surrounding area. “This project is a brilliant example of how Councils can deliver very significant inward investment that will attract thousands of visitors to Cardiff every year. Travelodge has opened nearly 30 hotels, throughout GB, in partnership with Councils, delivering hundreds of new job and career opportunities and accommodating thousands of new visitors, who spend millions of pounds in the local areas. “We’re delighted to see work now underway at this fantastic development and look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The City of London Corporation’s Planning Applications Sub-Committee has unanimously approved plans to restore and convert the Grade 1 Listed Custom House on Lower Thames Street into a 179-room hotel. Formerly an office for His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, the historic Custom House sits between Sugar Quay to the east and Old Billingsgate Market to the west along the waterfront. Described as an exemplar of collaboration between City planners and the applicant, the new hotel will feature a spa, health centre, and a variety of food and beverage options, opening up the building to the public for the first time. Visitors will gain access to the historic Tidewaiters and Long Rooms, which will also be available for community and cultural groups. The wider site redevelopment will deliver additional public benefits, including a reimagined quayside. The project will create a new inclusive public space of roughly 2,400 square metres – the size of 12 tennis courts – with unfettered access 24/7, 365 days a year, replacing the existing car park and security railings. The project forms part of the City’s broader strategy to expand its hotel stock, which currently stands at around 4,800 rooms, with 1,000 more in the planning pipeline. This growth is central to the Corporation’s ‘Destination City’ strategy, aimed at accommodating a projected rise in visitors to the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The long-anticipated Therme Manchester project has taken a major leap forward with the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as construction manager, signalling that work on the £450 million urban wellbeing resort is set to begin in earnest. Therme Manchester is billed as the United Kingdom’s first true urban wellbeing destination and one of the largest thermal pool complexes in Europe. The resort will combine elements of a luxury spa, waterpark and botanical retreat, offering more than 25 water slides, the UK’s biggest sauna area, multiple steam rooms and a wave pool designed for families. Visitors will also encounter landscaped gardens and immersive art installations, creating an experience that blends relaxation, entertainment and culture under one roof. The scheme is the flagship development of Therme Horizon, a €1 billion joint venture between Austrian spa specialist Therme Group and private equity investor CVC. This partnership reflects both the ambition and scale of the project, which aims to transform a former brownfield site at TraffordCity in Greater Manchester into a year-round attraction drawing millions of visitors. Peel Waters, the site’s owner, has worked closely with Therme Group since the project’s inception and has already overseen demolition of the former EventCity venue to prepare the land for construction. For Sir Robert McAlpine, the appointment follows a period of collaboration under a pre-construction services agreement. Now formally named construction manager, the company will oversee delivery of the complex build. McAlpine’s chief executive Neil Martin described the commission as a privilege, noting that the project represents “a major investment in wellbeing, sustainability and community infrastructure”. The firm’s reputation for handling large-scale and technically challenging developments was a decisive factor in the appointment. Professor David Russell, chief executive of Therme UK, highlighted McAlpine’s “unrivalled expertise” and commitment to sustainability, saying that these qualities made the company “the ideal team to bring Therme Manchester to life”. He added that the resort is intended to have a “lasting positive impact on Greater Manchester and beyond”, not only as a leisure destination but also as a driver of employment and economic growth. Local stakeholders share that optimism. Trafford Council leader Tom Ross welcomed the scheme as a “fantastic” addition to the borough, emphasising the hundreds of construction and permanent jobs it will create. He pointed to the project’s alignment with the council’s priorities of supporting a thriving economy, improving public health and regenerating a vacant site in a sustainable way. Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker echoed those sentiments, calling the resort a “complete game-changer for health, leisure and the visitor economy in the north”. Accessibility is central to the design. The resort will sit at the heart of TraffordCity and connect to the Bee Network of public transport, including Metrolink services, as well as new canal-side walking and cycling routes. A multi-storey car park will accommodate visitors who choose to drive, ensuring that the attraction can welcome guests from across the region and beyond. Beyond the impressive statistics and grand design, the project speaks to a growing trend in urban planning: integrating wellness and leisure into city life. By offering thermal pools, saunas and botanical environments within easy reach of Manchester’s population, Therme Manchester aims to redefine how people in the UK experience relaxation and recreation. The development also underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship, with sustainability considerations woven into both construction and future operations. With construction management now in experienced hands, the vision of a world-class wellbeing resort in the north of England is closer than ever. When complete, Therme Manchester is expected to attract millions of visitors each year, reinforcing Greater Manchester’s reputation as a hub for innovative and ambitious development while giving residents and tourists alike a unique place to unwind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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