Exciting Opportunity for Gym Operator as Leisure Use Approved for AM Sci Tech at Bridge of Don Site AM Sci Tech is pleased to announce that its planning application to change the use of the Innovation Centre at Aberdeen Energy Park has been approved by Aberdeen City Council. The decision grants permission to convert the building from Class 4 (Business Use) to Class 11 (Leisure Use), paving the way for the development of a high-quality gym or fitness facility at the heart of the growing Bridge of Don community. Located on Exploration Drive, the Innovation Centre is a modern, standalone building set over two floors and extending to approximately 14,000 sq ft (1,300 sq m). With a striking atrium, generous floorplan, high ceilings and excellent on-site parking, it offers an ideal setting for a gym operator looking to establish a presence in a vibrant and expanding area. The approved change of use comes at a time of major residential growth in the surrounding neighbourhood. With nearly 900 new homes under construction or in the planning pipeline from developers such as Cala and Persimmon Homes, demand for accessible fitness and leisure amenities has surged. The new facility will play a key role in supporting active lifestyles and enhancing community well-being. Gordon Pirie, Asset Manager at Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks, commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the change of use at the Innovation Centre. This approval marks a major step forward in delivering a new leisure facility that supports the needs of residents and businesses alike. A gym operator will bring real added value to the park and to the wider Bridge of Don area.” The site offers excellent connectivity to Aberdeen city centre and the wider region, with direct access to key arterial routes including the AWPR. Its location ensures convenience for both residents and the many professionals working within the business park. The introduction of a gym aligns with AM Sci Tech’s wider vision for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks as a multi-purpose destination, home to a mix of office, industrial, and now leisure amenities. This expansion will further enhance the park’s reputation as a hub for business, health, and lifestyle. With planning permission now secured, AM Sci Tech is actively seeking expressions of interest from gym operators and leisure providers ready to capitalise on this unique opportunity. For more information or to discuss potential opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact Gordon Pirie on 07525 240 453. Knight Frank and Ryden are joint agents for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates over 610 hotels, has acquired a 155-year long leasehold interest in 6 Broad Street Place & 15-17 Eldon Street from the City of London Corporation. The property is being acquired within the Travelodge OpCo Group.  Located opposite Liverpool Street station, the acquisition covers two prominent adjacent buildings, totalling 58,893 sq ft net internal area, which are currently vacant and awaiting refurbishment. Subject to planning permission, Travelodge will convert the upper floors of both buildings into a hotel with an 85 Bar Café, offering a relaxed space for guests to eat and drink. The project will also reinstate pre-existing retail uses on the Ground Floor of 6 Broad Street Place.  The acquisition is an example of one element of Travelodge’s UK development strategy, sustainably expanding its network of hotels by converting existing, vacant office and retail buildings into new hotels. By repurposing redundant spaces, Travelodge aims to bring them back into active economic use, benefiting the local community and meeting the growing demand for budget accommodation.   Travelodge continues to see significant growth opportunities in the UK, with over 300 target locations identified following a comprehensive market review. The Group is successfully executing its development strategy, with 11 freehold and leasehold hotels opened in the year to date, and a further 4 hotels exchanged or completed. It is also exploring extension opportunities within its existing estate.  Internationally, Travelodge has an established profitable presence in Spain, currently operating 12 hotels. With plans to expand into 20 key markets in Spain, the Group aims to grow through new developments and freehold or leasehold rebrand acquisitions. Jo Boydell, CEO of Travelodge, comments: “The acquisition of 6 Broad Street Place and 15-17 Eldon Street marks another significant step in our UK development strategy as we continue to grow and optimise our hotel network. Office-to-hotel conversion is a sustainable way of developing, allowing us to meet the increasing demand for budget hotels while reducing the carbon impact that new development brings. We are also excited to expand our portfolio in London, where we currently operate over 80 hotels, with a further five developments underway.” The City Corporation was advised by Capital Real Estate Partners, while Travelodge was represented by Strettons. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

RED Construction Group, the specialist contractor, has announced the appointment of its Special Projects division by Clermont Hotel Group to complete the multimillion pound refurbishment works at The Tower Hotel by Thistle. This latest appointment joins the Group’s extensive experience in delivering hotel projects across London and the South West, leading on c.£110m worth of works, including the recent completion of voco Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park in 2024, the UK’s first branded net zero carbon hotel. Located within walking distance of many of London’s heritage attractions and the centre of St Katharine Dock, The Tower Hotel by Thistle first opened its doors in 1973, by Sir Richard Hull, the then Constable of the Tower of London. RED’s Special Projects team is upgrading the hotel’s iconic Tower and Bridge Suites and refurbishing key structural elements of the building to develop improved function and public spaces, enhancing the experience for guests, visitors and staff alike, led by the designs from Unwin Jones Partnership. Two of the hotel’s most popular function spaces, the Tower and Bridge Suites, which offer unrivalled views of the Thames and Tower Bridge, will be enhanced through new window glazing, timber panelling finishes and light fixtures. Moveable walls will also be installed across the suites, allowing them to be separated into six rooms, to cater for a variety of events from conferences to business meetings and public celebrations, while improvements will also be made to the existing washrooms. On the mezzanine level of the hotel, the current function room will be transformed into a vibrant public space, with the installation of a new concrete, waterproofed wall, high-quality IT infrastructure and planting. The Tower Hotel by Thistle will continue to remain in-operation while these works are carried out, with RED’s Special Projects team tasked with delivering high-quality finishes and maintaining the health and safety of staff and users across the building. Nathan Farrar, Manging Director of RED Special Projects, commented: “The Tower Hotel by Thistle is an important institution for London. We are pleased to have a Clermont Hotel Group property within our portfolio, providing a world-class experience for guests and businesses alike. Our work to refurbish the iconic Tower and Bridge Suites and other function areas will enable Clermont Hotel Group to diversify their offerings, and ensure the hotel remains an attractive space for users over the long-term. Hotel delivery forms an important part of our workflow, and we are expecting future growth in hotel refurbishment works over the next 12 months in London, and across the UK.” Iain Grieve, Senior Property Project Manager, at Clermont Hotel Group, added: “Since its opening, The Tower Hotel by Thistle has proved to be an enduring part of London’s landscape. We have always looked at ways in which we can enhance our offering to meet the needs of businesses, guests and visitors, and the refurbishment of suites and function areas forms an important part of this journey. With the team’s extensive track record in hotel delivery, RED Construction Group were the ideal partners to lead on the refurbishment.” This marks RED Construction Group’s 9 project across London and the South East, where they have developed an expertise in delivering high-quality refurbishments, as demonstrated by their work on Legoland Windsor’s Woodland Village, London Marriott Hotel County Hall and St Mark’s Square development in recent years. This is matched by RED’s work in hotels where they have delivered over 1,000 hotel beds (including 658 refurbished rooms), and the UK’s first branded net zero voco Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park, led by their South West division. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work is due to begin this summer on a new £27.3 million leisure centre in Bishop Auckland, marking the start of Durham County Council’s flagship development under its Leisure Transformation Programme. The new facility will replace the aging Woodhouse Leisure Complex, the oldest in the council’s portfolio, and will become a key part of the council’s strategy to modernise leisure services across the region. The centre will be the fifth project delivered by Alliance Leisure for the council, following upgrades to facilities in Consett, Abbey, Peterlee, and Stanley. Funded primarily by Durham County Council, with an additional £2.5 million contribution from Sport England, the development is designed to promote health, wellbeing, and community cohesion—particularly in one of the county’s most deprived areas. Currently, 33% of residents in County Durham live in the top 20% most deprived areas nationally, and nearly 39% of adults are considered physically inactive. The Bishop Auckland leisure centre has been designed to address these challenges by offering modern, inclusive amenities aimed at encouraging physical activity for all ages and abilities. In a first for the region, the centre will also incorporate a public library, creating a multi-purpose community hub that combines leisure, education, health, and social engagement. Key features of the new facility will include a 25-metre, six-lane main swimming pool and a 20-metre, four-lane teaching pool with moveable floors. A large gym, two group exercise studios, and the council’s fourth Move Hub, an Innerva-equipped, power-assisted exercise studio designed to support users with reduced mobility—will also be included. The development will feature an indoor adventure play area to support children’s physical literacy and social development, a café for community use, and flexible community and cultural spaces. Outdoor active areas and a community garden will further enhance the site’s role as a neighbourhood focal point. Designed by GT3 Architects, the building will incorporate pitched roofs and expansive windows to maximise natural light while blending with the local architectural style. It aims to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating and will operate entirely on electricity, utilising air source heat pumps and renewable energy systems to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. The project team includes contractor Morgan Sindall, project managers Axiom, planning consultancy DPP, and GT3 Architects as lead designers. The scheme was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially commenced construction of a new hotel in Douglas, Isle of Man. The 80-room Travelodge will be the company’s first hotel on the island. Located at Villiers Square on Fort Street in Douglas, 300m from the ferry terminal and just moments from the beach, the shopping district, the CBD (central business district) and local attractions, like the Manx Museum, the new-build hotel is part of a wider mixed-use development led by Tevir Group. The scheme also includes two Grade-A office buildings, designed to support local economic growth. The hotel will feature Travelodge’s new premium design, including a modern reception area, next-generation rooms, and the new stylish 85 Bar Café. Supporting the Isle of Man Government’s tourism strategy to create 500 new hotel bedrooms by 2032, the project is expected to generate 27 new jobs and provide a valuable boost to the local hospitality sector. The hotel is scheduled to open in Spring 2027. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director, Travelodge said: “Breaking ground on our first hotel in Douglas is a significant milestone for Travelodge. We’ve long wanted to bring our quality, affordable accommodation to the Isle of Man, and this fantastic location at Villiers Square is the ideal setting. “It’s exciting to see construction now underway, marking the beginning of a new chapter for us on the island. We look forward to welcoming both leisure and business guests when the hotel opens its doors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Natural History Museum has officially appointed Mace to lead the construction of its new state-of-the-art collections, research, and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, in a project valued at £100 million. This major development marks a pivotal step in the Museum’s ambition to safeguard and enhance access to its globally significant collections. Once complete, the 25,000 sq metre facility—equivalent in size to three football pitches—will house approximately 28 million specimens, representing around one third of the Museum’s total holdings. The centre is being developed as part of the NHM Unlocked Programme, which is supported by £201 million in government funding aimed at advancing the UK’s science, research, and innovation capacity. Construction is set to begin shortly, with completion expected in 2027 and full operational readiness anticipated by 2031. The new facility will serve as a hub for cutting-edge scientific research and technology. It will feature advanced imaging and digitisation suites, state-of-the-art laboratories for molecular biology and ancient DNA analysis, cryo-storage for tissue samples, as well as conservation and quarantine labs. Rob Lemming, Managing Director for Public Sector and Life Sciences at Mace, described the project as both a cultural and scientific milestone. “This centre will be more than a repository for priceless specimens—it will be a beacon for innovation and collaboration, offering the scientific community world-class tools to tackle urgent challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.” The design team for the project includes Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios as lead architects and engineering consultancy Ramboll. Mace will oversee construction and procurement, supported by CPC Project Services for project management and Arcadis for cost consultancy. The facility will also become home to several specialist collections including fossilised mammals and invertebrates, marine life such as corals and crustaceans, and the Museum’s valuable molecular and micropalaeontological archives. The transfer of these materials to Shinfield is expected to be the largest move of natural history specimens ever undertaken worldwide. Situated within the innovation campus of the University of Reading, the development is poised to enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in bioscience, environmental research, and digital innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

KFC UK & Ireland is set to supercharge its expansion strategy with a record-breaking £1.49 billion investment plan over the next five years, aiming to further solidify its place as a leader in the UK’s fast-growing quick-service restaurant sector. The fried chicken giant, which already operates over 1,000 outlets across the UK and Ireland, has confirmed ambitious plans to open 500 new restaurants by 2034. A significant portion of the investment – approximately £466 million – will be dedicated to acquiring and developing new sites across both urban centres and drive-thru hotspots, reflecting changing consumer behaviours post-pandemic. This property-focused strategy builds on a period of steady growth over the past five years. Since 2019, KFC has opened dozens of new locations each year, often focusing on drive-thru formats and food courts within retail parks – a trend accelerated by demand for convenience and off-premise dining. At the same time, the company has leaned into refurbishing its existing footprint, with over 200 restaurants earmarked for upgrades under the new investment plan. Key to KFC’s growth is its franchise-first model. Around 95% of its UK sites are run by local franchisees, who will be supported by this new wave of investment. The upgrades will include digital ordering enhancements, modernised kitchen equipment, and sustainable building improvements to meet growing environmental expectations. Rob Swain, general manager of KFC UK & Ireland, said: “We’ve never seen such demand for freshly prepared fried chicken as we’re seeing today. That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to the UK and Ireland with a major investment into our restaurants and in the suppliers who have been so crucial to our success.” This investment also signals a strategic counter to increased competition in the UK chicken market. Newcomers such as Popeyes, Wingstop, and Slim Chickens have captured attention in key urban areas, creating pressure for established brands to innovate and invest. KFC’s planned expansion and estate upgrades not only aim to strengthen its market leadership but also promise a positive ripple effect on local economies, with job creation and supply chain growth expected as part of the programme. As KFC celebrates its 60th anniversary in the UK, this latest move underscores its long-term confidence in the British market and its appetite for sustainable, modern growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to lead a major £130 million overhaul of the iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London, marking a significant step forward in securing the future of one of the capital’s most historic sporting venues. The appointment, made by the Greater London Authority through the Southern Construction Framework, signals the beginning of a pre-construction phase involving detailed planning applications and listed building consent. Full-scale works are expected to begin in the latter half of next year. The ambitious scheme will see the comprehensive refurbishment of the centre’s ageing facilities, including a complete rebuild of the 50-metre swimming and diving pools. Upgrades are also planned for the indoor sports halls, external pitches and the athletics stadium, revitalising the venue while carefully preserving its Grade II* listed architecture. First opened in 1964, the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has long been a launchpad for British sporting talent. However, decades of wear have left the site in urgent need of modernisation. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan commented: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but which needs major investment and refurbishment. I am committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come.” The complex nature of the refurbishment is compounded by the need to work sensitively within the constraints of a protected structure, ensuring that heritage features are preserved while modernising the facility to meet current sporting and community needs. Richard Dobson, area director for London at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to this project, as the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an iconic facility that’s not only close to the hearts of people in the area but is also an important historic national sporting landmark. “We look forward to continuing our close and collaborative relationship with the Greater London Authority on this regeneration, which has been procured through the SCF framework. The project promises to breathe new life into the extensive sporting facilities, while delivering a wide range of health, wellbeing, and social value benefits for local communities.” The redevelopment is seen as a critical investment in London’s sporting infrastructure and a timely commitment to community health and wellbeing, as well as preserving a legacy site for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has opened the doors to a brand new 43-room hotel in Bromsgrove. Located just a 6-minute walk from Bromsgrove train station and a 30 minute drive away from Birmingham Airport, the hotel offers excellent transport links.  Guests can explore a range of local attractions, including scenic walks in the parkland of Hagley Hall and the Walton and Clent Hills. Sanders Park, the Norton Collection Museum, and the historic St John’s Church are all within a mile of the hotel. For day trips, the historic city of Worcester and the West Midland Safari Park are both a short drive away. A variety of restaurants and cafés are also located nearby, perfect for dining after a day out. The hotel features Travelodge’s new, premium look and feel design which includes a newly designed reception area and next generation rooms – offering everything a business or leisure guest needs for a comfortable and relaxing stay.  This hotel is a former Ibis, acquired as part of Travelodge’s UK development strategy to expand through rebrand acquisitions of existing hotels that meet its locational and branding criteria. Travelodge continues to grow rapidly, with a strong commitment to expanding its hotel network to give customers more choice while supporting local communities through nationwide job creation. The company already operates 22 hotels across Birmingham. Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer, Travelodge, comments:  “We’re thrilled to officially open our new Bromsgrove hotel. It’s a fantastic spot for both business and leisure travellers, and we’re excited to welcome guests to the newest addition to our growing UK portfolio. With around 600 Travelodge hotels now open across the country, we’re aiming to add 300 more locations, including 20 in the Midlands region. This expansion will create new jobs and offer even more choice and great value for our customers visiting the area and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited Marple Community Hub, a £20 million development that will bring a state-of-the-art leisure, health and library complex to the heart of Stockport. Local leaders, partners, and the main contractor Willmott Dixon gathered in Marple Memorial Park for a ceremonial ground-breaking event to mark the start of work on the landmark project, which is due to open in 2026. Part-funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the hub will deliver a modern library, a five-lane swimming pool, a 60-station gym, a café, and a new home for Marple Clinic. The development is designed to promote healthier lifestyles and expand access to essential community services. Cllr Mark Roberts, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council, said: “This is a major milestone for Marple — a project driven by local voices and delivered in partnership to meet the needs of residents now and for the future. The hub is a landmark investment in the future of our borough – it’s about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive space that brings people together, supports healthier lifestyles, and strengthens our local economy.” Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, added: “The new hub will bring health, leisure and community services together under one roof, with real benefits for people of all ages. It’s a brilliant example of the kind of place-based investment we’re championing across Stockport.” Darren Palmer, Director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We share Stockport Council’s passion for ensuring this vibrant and innovative community hub creates opportunities for the people of Marple. In recently delivering Stockport Interchange and Viaduct Park, our team worked alongside incredible local organisations such as PURE College and we proud to be doing so again. “To date on the project, we’ve created six new employment opportunities including for local people from barriered backgrounds. We’ve supported 47 apprentice weeks and delivered a bespoke skills and training ‘Building Lives Academy’ programme alongside HMP Styal resulting in two employment opportunities. We are also running our monthly free after-school Construction Club for children at All Saints Primary School and we have delivered 11 careers in construction sessions with local school and college students.” The event, hosted by Stockport Council and Willmott Dixon, featured speeches from key partners including Sport England, the NHS, Life Leisure, and local councillors, alongside a tour of the site where building work is now underway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals