Commercial : Leisure & Hospitality News
Therme Manchester receives approval

Therme Manchester receives approval

Therme Manchester has received approval from Trafford Council for its Section 73 planning amendment, marking a significant step forward in the development of the UK’s first immersive wellbeing resort. The approval coincides with the start of enabling work on-site, including the demolition of pre-existing concrete slabs, which will be conserved

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Travelodge Announces Two New Hotels as Part of UK Expansion

Budget hotel chain Travelodge has unveiled plans for two new hotels on the east coast of England, in Skegness and Harwich, as it continues its expansion across the UK. Contracts have been exchanged for both sites, and construction has already commenced. In Skegness, an 80-room Travelodge is being built on

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TGI Fridays Shutters 35 UK Restaurants Despite Rescue Deal

TGI Fridays Shutters 35 UK Restaurants Despite Rescue Deal

TGI Fridays is set to close 35 of its UK branches following a recent rescue deal, despite efforts to save the struggling restaurant chain. The closures come after Hostmore, the former owner of TGI Fridays UK, fell into administration last month. The rescue deal sees Breal Capital and Calveton UK,

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Whitbread to build new hotel in London

Whitbread to build new hotel in London

Whitbread PLC has received planning approval from Westminster City Council to build a new hotel at 5 Strand in central London. The hotel, featuring 693 rooms, will be one of the largest budget accommodations in the city when completed. It will operate under the hub by Premier Inn brand, occupying

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Commercial : Leisure & Hospitality News

Whitbread Offloads 51 Restaurants in £56 Million Deal as Part of Strategic Restructure

Whitbread Offloads 51 Restaurants in £56 Million Deal as Part of Strategic Restructure

Whitbread, the parent company of Premier Inn, has sold 51 of its restaurants for £56 million as part of a major restructuring plan aimed at refocusing on its more profitable hotel operations. The sale is a key element of Whitbread’s wider strategy to streamline its portfolio and improve cost efficiency. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to divest 126 underperforming Beefeater and Brewers Fayre locations, in response to changing market conditions. Alongside the sales, Whitbread plans to repurpose 112 of these restaurant sites, converting them into additional hotel rooms to drive growth for its Premier Inn brand. The sale of the 51 sites marks an important step in Whitbread’s strategy to enhance profitability, particularly within a challenging hospitality sector. The food and beverage market has seen declining demand, with a notable drop in both business and leisure travel when compared to the post-pandemic surge of the previous year. Although Whitbread reported a total revenue of £1.57 billion for the six months leading up to August 29, its pre-tax profits have dropped by 22%. This decline has prompted the company to intensify its cost-cutting measures, targeting £50 million in annual savings as part of a long-term plan that extends to 2030. Furthermore, concerns over potential increases in employer taxes could add additional pressure on profitability within the industry. Looking ahead, Whitbread is fully committed to expanding its Premier Inn brand. The company has set an ambitious target to increase its room count from the current 86,000 to 125,000 across the UK and Ireland. Additionally, Whitbread is eyeing significant growth opportunities in Germany, which boasts a hotel market 40% larger than the UK. By shedding underperforming restaurant assets and reinvesting in its core hotel operations, Whitbread aims to secure a more streamlined and profitable future amidst an ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Therme Manchester receives approval

Therme Manchester receives approval

Therme Manchester has received approval from Trafford Council for its Section 73 planning amendment, marking a significant step forward in the development of the UK’s first immersive wellbeing resort. The approval coincides with the start of enabling work on-site, including the demolition of pre-existing concrete slabs, which will be conserved and reused in construction. Site hoarding, utility works, and offices have been set up, and a 200-metre borehole has been drilled to assess the site’s natural thermal capacity—key to the resort’s sustainable and energy-efficient design. The planning amendments reflect Therme’s focus on sustainability, community, and architectural innovation. The new designs will incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies, such as ground and air heat pumps, significantly reducing the resort’s CO2 emissions and water usage. The refined design also optimises the use of materials like glass, steel, and concrete, ensuring both a premium guest experience and environmental mindfulness. Accessibility enhancements have also been made, including a welcoming drop-off point on Phoenix Way and expanded public realm areas across the 28-acre site. These new spaces will create a serene environment, encouraging visitors to connect with nature. Existing routes for coaches, taxis, and parking on Mercury Way remain unchanged, while walking and cycling paths between the Bridgewater Canal and Metrolink will be preserved, promoting active travel. Therme Manchester, guided by its “wellbeing for all” ethos, will offer holistic and affordably priced experiences for guests of all ages. The resort will feature thermal bathing, saunas, family-friendly water attractions, botanical gardens, personalised treatments, nutritious dining options, and immersive art programmes—providing a unique wellness experience not yet seen in the UK. The opening date for the resort has yet to be announced. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Travelodge Announces Two New Hotels as Part of UK Expansion

Budget hotel chain Travelodge has unveiled plans for two new hotels on the east coast of England, in Skegness and Harwich, as it continues its expansion across the UK. Contracts have been exchanged for both sites, and construction has already commenced. In Skegness, an 80-room Travelodge is being built on a former crazy golf site on South Parade. The six-storey hotel will feature the chain’s in-house restaurant, Bar Café, located on the top floor with stunning sea views. The development is set to create 30 new jobs in the local area. In Harwich, a 68-room Travelodge is being developed on a six-acre site at Stanton Europark, next to Harwich Port and Enterprise Zone. Both hotels are scheduled to open by summer 2025. The projects are being developed by Burney Group and constructed by Faircloth Construction Ltd. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director at Travelodge, commented: “We are thrilled to continue the expansion of our hotel network across the UK. These new locations in Skegness and Harwich are fantastic additions to our portfolio, ideally placed for both business and leisure travellers. We’re pleased to be working with Burney Group again, and are confident these hotels will perform well, creating new jobs and supporting the local economies.” Carter Jonas acted as Travelodge’s retained development manager for these projects. Travelodge has plans to open 300 additional hotels across the UK, with further sites targeted in Essex and Lincolnshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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TGI Fridays Shutters 35 UK Restaurants Despite Rescue Deal

TGI Fridays Shutters 35 UK Restaurants Despite Rescue Deal

TGI Fridays is set to close 35 of its UK branches following a recent rescue deal, despite efforts to save the struggling restaurant chain. The closures come after Hostmore, the former owner of TGI Fridays UK, fell into administration last month. The rescue deal sees Breal Capital and Calveton UK, owners of the D&D London restaurant group, acquiring TGI Fridays UK. While 51 branches will remain open, administrators Teneo have confirmed that 35 restaurants will be shut down immediately as part of the restructuring plan. However, TGI Fridays UK remains hopeful that negotiations with landlords may save some of the closed locations. Julie McEwan, Chief Executive of TGI Fridays UK, expressed optimism for the brand’s future. “TGI Fridays is a much-loved brand with a rich heritage. Today marks the beginning of a positive future for our business, following what has been a very challenging time for the entire casual dining sector,” she said. McEwan also acknowledged the unfortunate impact on the chain’s employees. “We are devastated for our colleagues who will be leaving, and we thank them for their loyalty and contribution. We are doing everything we can to retain as many of our team as possible and to support those affected.” Hostmore’s collapse followed a sharp decline in its share price, which plummeted by over 90% after the company announced it expected to be “wound up” and de-listed following the completion of the restaurant sale. Hostmore had previously agreed to a £177 million deal to acquire its US-based parent company in April. However, the acquisition fell through when the American group lost control of TGIF Funding, the entity holding the franchise agreement royalties. Despite the difficult period, TGI Fridays UK remains confident in its ability to weather the storm, with plans to revitalise the brand and attract both loyal customers and new guests in the months ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Whitbread to build new hotel in London

Whitbread to build new hotel in London

Whitbread PLC has received planning approval from Westminster City Council to build a new hotel at 5 Strand in central London. The hotel, featuring 693 rooms, will be one of the largest budget accommodations in the city when completed. It will operate under the hub by Premier Inn brand, occupying a prime location just off Trafalgar Square, steps away from Nelson’s Column. Whitbread acquired the development site freehold as part of its strategy to expand its presence in the popular London market where a significant proportion of Premier Inn’s future UK rooms pipeline is located. The over £200m investment, which includes construction and related costs, underlines the company’s commitment to the hub by Premier Inn brand which is designed to bring Premier Inn’s affordable hotel bedrooms into the heart of London and other major UK cities. Mark Anderson, Managing Director for Property and International for Whitbread, said: “hub by Premier Inn was launched a decade ago in St. Martin’s Lane, a few hundred metres from 5 Strand. The brand has blossomed into a network of 18 popular hub hotels in Central London and Edinburgh and has become a proven model for bringing our affordable bedrooms into the most central, vibrant, and connected locations for our guests. “5 Strand is an excellent example of how we think the hub by Premier Inn brand can evolve in Central London. It also shows how we can use Whitbread’s strong balance sheet to acquire the best positioned, most accessible, and high-demand locations in the capital to grow our brands. With planning permission now secured we will move quickly to begin construction of the new hotel and deliver a true flagship location for our guests.” Whitbread has been investing heavily in London as it seeks to redress an under-supply of branded budget hotel bedrooms in the capital. The company currently offers its customers more than 100+ locations within the M25 with a further 12 locations in its secured development pipeline in the capital. It is also seeking new sites in 40 locations in inner and outer London for its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands. The consented 16,000 sq metre hotel at 5 Strand will be set over thirteen storeys with a generous ground-floor space fronting onto the Strand and Northumberland Street to the east of the site. Whitbread expects around 150 team will work at the hotel on opening, with recruitment focused within the City of Westminster and other inner London boroughs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Whitbread Set to Build One of London’s Largest Budget Hotels Near Trafalgar Square

Whitbread Set to Build One of London’s Largest Budget Hotels Near Trafalgar Square

Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel operator and owner of Premier Inn, has secured planning permission to develop a 693-bedroom hotel at 5 Strand, just metres away from Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column. The new development, approved by Westminster City Council, will be one of London’s largest budget hotels and will operate under Whitbread’s hub by Premier Inn brand. This prime site acquisition is part of Whitbread’s strategy to expand its footprint in London, where a large portion of its future hotel room pipeline is focused. The £200 million-plus investment, which covers construction and related costs, highlights Whitbread’s commitment to bringing affordable accommodation into the heart of the capital and other major UK cities. Mark Anderson, Whitbread’s Managing Director for Property and International, commented: “The hub by Premier Inn brand was launched 10 years ago in St. Martin’s Lane, not far from this new site. Since then, it’s grown into a network of 18 popular hotels across Central London and Edinburgh. The development at 5 Strand showcases how we can evolve the brand in London’s core and leverage our strong balance sheet to secure high-demand, accessible locations. With planning approved, we’re eager to start construction and create a flagship location for our guests.” Whitbread has been making significant investments in London to address the shortage of branded budget hotel rooms. Currently, it operates over 100 hotels within the M25, with 12 more in its development pipeline. The company is also scouting for new sites in 40 locations across inner and outer London for both its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands. The new hotel at 5 Strand will cover 16,000 square metres over 13 storeys and will feature a spacious ground-floor area on the Strand and Northumberland Street. Around 150 team members will be employed at the hotel, with recruitment prioritised in the City of Westminster and surrounding boroughs. The hub by Premier Inn hotels offer compact rooms – around half the size of a standard Premier Inn room – with a modern design, tech-focused amenities, and a relaxed lounge-style food and beverage area. In line with Whitbread’s commitment to achieving net-zero direct emissions by 2040, the 5 Strand hotel will be powered entirely by renewable electricity. This exciting new development is set to provide affordable, centrally located accommodation for visitors to London, further strengthening Whitbread’s presence in the capital’s competitive hotel market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wimbledon’s £200 Million Expansion Gets the Green Light Despite Local Opposition

Wimbledon’s £200 Million Expansion Gets the Green Light Despite Local Opposition

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has secured approval for its ambitious £200 million expansion, marking a major development in the history of the Wimbledon Championships. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has given the go-ahead for the project, which will see the construction of 39 new tennis courts and a state-of-the-art 8,000-seat show court on the former site of Wimbledon Park Golf Club. The decision, signed off by Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, highlights the project’s potential to enhance local infrastructure and boost the economy. The expansion will nearly triple the size of Wimbledon’s existing grounds, offering much-needed space for the world-famous tournament to grow. One of the key components of the plan is the addition of a new venue for Wimbledon’s qualifying matches, which are currently held off-site in Roehampton. The new courts will allow up to 10,000 spectators to attend the qualifying rounds, centralising the event and elevating the overall spectator experience. A standout feature of the development is the creation of a 23-acre public park, designed to echo historical landscape aesthetics. This new green space will be open year-round, except during the Championships, and will include a boardwalk and enhanced waterways, providing the local community with a much-needed recreational area. However, the expansion has stirred significant controversy. Campaign groups, including Save Wimbledon Park, have raised concerns about the impact on protected land, arguing that the development risks turning the area into a “huge industrial tennis complex”. Local politicians and residents have also voiced opposition, urging the AELTC to explore alternative solutions that preserve more of the open space. Despite the pushback, the GLA believes the benefits outweigh the concerns, with promises of economic growth, improved facilities, and enhanced public amenities. The AELTC is now moving forward with the next phase of planning and construction, although potential legal challenges from opponents may cause delays. As construction progresses, the iconic Wimbledon Championships look set to expand, securing its future as a premier global sporting event while also promising new public benefits for the local community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Yotel Announces £17m Belfast Hotel: A Bold Step in European Expansion

Yotel Announces £17m Belfast Hotel: A Bold Step in European Expansion

Yotel has announced plans to open its first hotel in Belfast as part of its ongoing European expansion strategy. The £17 million investment will see a 165-bedroom hotel developed in the heart of the city, at Shaftesbury Square, with an expected opening date in 2026, pending planning approval and timely construction. The hotel will feature a variety of amenities, including a food and beverage (F&B) offering, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and versatile public spaces, aimed at providing a modern and innovative experience for both business and leisure travellers. Rohan Thakkar, Chief Development Officer at Yotel, expressed excitement about the project: “We are delighted to bring Yotel to Belfast, a city that shares our unwavering passion for innovation and creativity. Yotel Belfast represents a significant milestone in our global franchise strategy, marking our 35th signed hotel and increasing our total key count to nearly 8,000. We’re thrilled to partner with Andras Hotels, one of the region’s leading operators.” Rajesh Rana, Director of Andras Hotels, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the project’s impact on the local economy: “We’re excited to bring this development to a landmark site in Belfast. The £17 million investment will offer modern accommodation for global visitors while creating high-quality jobs in the community. This project will not only be a major asset to the city’s growing tourism sector but also contribute to the regeneration of Shaftesbury Square. Our architects have designed a building that is both contemporary and respectful of its local surroundings. We’re now in the planning phase and look forward to consulting with the community ahead of development starting in 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Loxton Walk: Marylebone’s New Retail and Leisure Hub Set to Transform the Heart of London

Loxton Walk: Marylebone’s New Retail and Leisure Hub Set to Transform the Heart of London

The Portman Estate and Derwent London have unveiled exciting plans for Loxton Walk, a vibrant new retail and leisure destination in the heart of Marylebone. Set to launch in 2025, Loxton Walk will introduce 28,500 sq ft of cutting-edge retail and leisure space, spread across 17 units that will be easily accessed from George Street, Blandford Street, Gloucester Street, and the iconic Baker Street. At the heart of the development will be a bustling central courtyard, designed to become a lively social hub for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The space will range from kiosk units to flagship restaurant spaces, with unit sizes spanning from 300 sq ft to 5,800 sq ft, offering flexibility for businesses looking to create anchor stores or boutique offerings. Outdoor seating areas and enhanced public spaces will further enrich the visitor experience. Loxton Walk will seamlessly complement The Portman Estate’s ongoing transformation of Marylebone, joining other landmarks such as Chiltern Street and Marble Arch. The area recently welcomed the opening of Moco London, the largest European outpost of the internationally renowned Moco Museum, further cementing Marylebone’s position as a key cultural and commercial hotspot. The development is part of a larger mixed-use scheme by The Portman Estate and Derwent London, which also includes 206,000 sq ft of modern office space on Baker Street and an additional 12,000 sq ft of workspace at 30 Gloucester Place. Tom Knight, Portfolio Director at The Portman Estate, commented: “Loxton Walk reflects our commitment to creating a thriving, commercially successful neighbourhood in central London. This exciting new retail and leisure offering, developed in partnership with Derwent London, will provide a valuable new public space and enhance the amenities available to those who live, work, and visit Marylebone.” Philippa Abendanon, Head of Leasing at Derwent London, added: “Loxton Walk is a perfect example of how we integrate design, connectivity, and high-quality amenities in prime locations. This vibrant new destination will offer exceptional spaces for people to enjoy and explore, embodying our shared vision with The Portman Estate for creating standout places in one of the world’s greatest cities.” Savills has been appointed to market Loxton Walk, which is set to become one of London’s most exciting new retail and leisure hubs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Iconic Co-op HQ at NOMA Manchester to Become Luxury Hotel and Dining Destination

Iconic Co-op HQ at NOMA Manchester to Become Luxury Hotel and Dining Destination

Plans have been revealed to transform the former Co-operative Group headquarters in Manchester’s NOMA neighbourhood into a luxury hotel and restaurant. The Grade II-listed New Century House, a landmark of 1960s modernist architecture, is set to undergo a major conversion to include a 196-room hotel with a rooftop terrace bar and restaurant, along with conference and leisure facilities in the basement. Located in the heart of the city, the proposed hotel would offer prime access to Manchester’s key retail and business areas. Its central location is just a short walk from the AO Arena, which has a capacity of 23,000, as well as Victoria Station and Shudehill transport interchange, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Originally built for the Co-operative Insurance Society, the 14-storey New Century House later became the headquarters of the Co-operative Group. Now, this iconic building is set to join the dynamic NOMA neighbourhood, home to major businesses like Amazon, Adanola, and BNY Mellon, which recently relocated its 2,000-strong Manchester team to nearby 4 Angel Square. The proposed development will complement the neighbouring New Century Hall, a refurbished music venue and food hall, and the DBS Institute, which offers degree and postgraduate courses in music technology and games design. Dan Hyde, development director at MEPC, the asset manager for the NOMA estate, expressed excitement about the project, stating: “New Century House is a Manchester icon, and we believe the time is right to revitalise it as a hotel. This is the next natural step in the ongoing growth of our vibrant neighbourhood, and it will sit perfectly alongside BNY at 4 Angel Square and the popular New Century Hall.” Jeremy Collins of Jenics, the hotel and leisure consultancy leading the search for a hotel operator, highlighted Manchester’s international appeal, saying: “With its global connectivity, world-class universities, and rich cultural and sporting heritage, Manchester is a magnet for visitors from around the world. New Century House presents an outstanding opportunity to enhance the city’s hospitality landscape.” MEPC and Jenics are currently exploring options to either sell the property or lease it, ensuring flexibility for interested hotel operators. A formal proposal is expected to be submitted to Manchester City Council in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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