Famous fried chicken chain Popeyes is making its debut in a Scottish shopping centre, with a new restaurant set to open at Glasgow’s Braehead Shopping Centre. This marks an exciting milestone as the American brand continues its rapid expansion across the UK. A New Dining Experience for Braehead Visitors The Braehead location will accommodate up to 74 diners and serve Popeyes’ signature dishes, including its iconic chicken sandwiches, crispy wings, tenders, and the southern classic, biscuits with gravy. Known for its Louisiana-inspired flavours, Popeyes is expected to attract both dedicated fans and curious newcomers. Part of a Growing UK Presence This will be Popeyes’ 65th restaurant in the UK and the fourth to open in Scotland, reflecting the brand’s ambitious expansion strategy. The addition further underscores Braehead Shopping Centre’s commitment to enhancing its dining options and appealing to a broader customer base, including younger visitors. A Boost for Braehead’s Offerings Rob Jewell, Managing Director at Pradera Lateral, the scheme’s asset manager, commented:“We continually seek to offer customers the best dining and retail experiences, and Popeyes’ unique range will undoubtedly be a popular addition to our already extensive offering. With Braehead being the first Scottish shopping centre to house this iconic brand, it will provide visitors with an opportunity to try a new and highly anticipated eatery, ultimately enhancing their overall experience at the centre.” A Recipe for Success The arrival of Popeyes at Braehead Shopping Centre adds a fresh, vibrant option to its dining portfolio, promising to draw more visitors while contributing to the centre’s reputation as a leading retail and leisure destination. Whether it’s a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Popeyes is poised to bring the bold flavours of the Deep South to Scottish shoppers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hospitality group Loungers has unveiled its fourth Brightside roadside restaurant, this time at the bustling Ram Jam services in Rutland. Located on the busy route between Peterborough and Grantham, the new eatery is part of a purpose-built retail hub featuring four units, a petrol station, and a bakery. A New Era for Roadside Dining Brightside, launched by Loungers to “reinvigorate roadside dining in the UK,” continues its mission to transform the dining experience for travellers. Following its debut last year with three restaurants in Exeter, Honiton (Devon), and Saltash (Cornwall), Brightside is now bringing its unique twist on roadside dining to the heart of the East Midlands. Charlie Jones, Operations Manager at Brightside, shared his enthusiasm:“We are delighted that our Brightside experience, and our unique reinterpretation of roadside dining, is now available for those heading north. Ram Jam Services is an incredibly popular stop for motorists, so this is a fantastic opportunity to offer something fresh and exciting.” Perfect for Travellers and Locals Alike The new restaurant benefits from its proximity to Rutland Water, a major regional attraction drawing nearly two million visitors annually. Brightside Ram Jam is perfectly positioned to serve both travellers passing through and local residents seeking a welcoming dining spot. “As well as catering to travellers, we are an excellent choice for those who live nearby. We’re looking forward to meeting lots of locals too,” Jones added. Loungers’ Expansion Continues In addition to Brightside, Loungers operates the popular Lounges and Cosy Club brands. The group has been thriving, with its chair recently noting that property availability for new ventures has “never been better.” Loungers has capitalised on this favourable climate, achieving a record year of openings in 2023. A Fresh Stop Along the Way With its latest opening, Brightside is well on its way to redefining roadside dining in the UK, offering travellers and locals a fresh and inviting alternative. Whether you’re passing through or nearby, Brightside Ram Jam promises a dining experience worth stopping for. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading bowling and competitive socialising operator Lane7 has announced ambitious plans to roll out 10 new venues over the next two years, adding a massive 180,000 sq ft to its portfolio by the end of 2025. The expansion builds on a successful 2024, during which Lane7 completed 120,000 sq ft of transactions and opened eight new sites across the UK and Europe. Among its recent milestones, the group launched its first European venue in Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, in October and is gearing up to debut two locations in Dublin—at Dundrum and Chatham Street—in January 2025. New Horizons for Lane7 As Lane7 accelerates its growth, it has signed three new sites and has a further six venues currently in legal negotiations. The UK expansion will include two new locations in Newcastle, where the operator first launched in 2013, as well as additional sites under its family-friendly sister brands, Gutterball and LevelX. Lane7’s concept has redefined traditional bowling by blending it with alternative gaming experiences such as retro arcade games, tech-enabled activities, karaoke, beer pong, darts, and mini golf, all underpinned by a strong hospitality focus. The group often collaborates with local food and beverage partners, adding a unique flavour to its venues. Driving Footfall and Town Centre Vitality Founder Tim Wilks emphasised the crucial role leisure plays in revitalising town centres and mixed-use developments: “Leisure energises town centres, and competitive socialising is a particularly powerful footfall driver. It complements existing F&B brands and offers diverse activities that appeal to a wide audience, creating memorable experiences with or without alcohol.” Lane7’s success at St James’ Quarter in Edinburgh exemplifies its impact. Since opening in 2021, the venue has drawn an impressive 400,000 visitors in its first full year, accounting for 2% of the entire scheme’s footfall. With 85% of guests pre-booking, the operator demonstrates its ability to drive traffic and add vibrancy to urban destinations. Bowling into the Future As Lane7 pushes forward with its plans, its innovative mix of leisure activities, community partnerships, and hospitality excellence continues to make it a standout player in the competitive socialising market. By creating exciting spaces that engage diverse audiences, Lane7 is set to leave a lasting impression on the UK and European leisure scene. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, is delivering preconstruction and construction management services on Manhattan Loft Corporation’s multi-million pound refurbishment of St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, within the eponymous international train station. RED Construction Group’s London team is currently working on the multi-phased project, having recently completed the second phase of works comprising the refurbishment of the guestrooms and corridors on the ground and 1st floors within the Barlow House wing. The originally prefabricated bathrooms have been reconstructed with new 5-star hotel fixtures, fittings, and finishes.  Now, RED Construction Group is delivering a full refurbishment of the initial historic suite prototype room within the original “Chambers Building” of the hotel. This is being undertaken using traditional materials and has been designed to pay homage to the heritage of the Grade I Listed hotel. The RED Construction team has carried out the works with the 5-star hotel fully operational throughout, and given its location in one of the busiest areas of the capital, the refurbishment commands the London division’s vast experience in logistics problem-solving. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel joins RED Construction Group’s extensive portfolio of hospitality projects, including Lore Group’s independent concept, One Hundred Shoreditch, the Ruby Lucy London Hotel in South Bank, and The Other House flexible-stay hotel in South Kensington. Mark Iori, Managing Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Located amongst one of the country’s most iconic and busy destinations, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is the latest project to call upon RED Construction Group’s skill and experience in hospitality redevelopment. It is a pleasure to work with the project team for Manhattan Loft Corporation, and we look forward to realising the client’s vision for this British landmark hotel.” Mark Simmonds, Manhattan Loft Corporation, added: “We are enhancing the rooms with a modern, exciting and unique design that secures the reputation of the hotel amongst London’s most respected and exciting five-star hotels. We are committed to preserving this historically significant building and maintaining high standards of luxury and quality. This all requires a passionate and dedicated project team, from interior designers and gold-leaf specialists to knowledgeable and agile construction partners. With their extensive experience in luxury hotel restoration in the capital, RED Construction London are the ideal team for this project.” The news follows RED Construction Group’s appointment to deliver Tellon Capital’s £200m GDV Westminster office redevelopment, 40 Broadway. Spanning more than 130,000 sq ft GIA, works on the landmark scheme will be carried out by RED Construction’s London team, creating a high-quality, wellbeing-led office building situated within the Broadway and Christchurch Gardens Conservation Area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Whitbread PLC, the parent company of Premier Inn, has secured terms with Riverstone Hotels Ltd to open a 200-room Premier Inn hotel within walking distance of Edinburgh Airport. This development aims to expand Premier Inn’s presence near Scotland’s busiest airport, a major hub for over 150 domestic and international flights. The planned hotel, set to be four storeys high, is being developed in collaboration with Whitbread’s partner, with a formal planning application scheduled for submission to the City of Edinburgh Council early next year. If approved, the hotel will offer guests a convenient 10-minute walk to the terminal, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread, explained the appeal of the project, stating, “The case for expanding Premier Inn at Edinburgh Airport is compelling. In 2023, almost 14.5 million passengers travelled through the airport—a 30% rise from the previous year—and international routes are growing. With the airport’s continued success, we see a prime opportunity to establish a Premier Inn hotel right next to the terminal. It’s an exciting prospect for our guests and a testament to Whitbread’s focus on investing in high-demand locations.” The new hotel will feature Premier Inn’s latest room designs, including its popular Premier Plus rooms, and a ‘The Social’ space on the ground floor for guests. Positioned on Eastfield Road, the primary route to the airport, the L-shaped building will offer 100 dedicated parking spaces. Furthermore, the site is designed with sustainability in mind, powered exclusively by renewable electricity and aiming to achieve a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating. John Rumsey, Development Director at Riverstone Developments, expressed confidence in the collaboration: “Whitbread’s strong reputation and Premier Inn’s recognisability to travellers made this partnership an easy choice. With Whitbread’s established track record and solid financial performance, we’re thrilled to commit to a leasehold development. Should we obtain planning consent, we are ready to move forward and bring Premier Inn closer to the airport as soon as possible.” To gather public feedback, Whitbread and Riverstone will host consultation events on the 19th of November and 17th of December at The Pavilion, Royal Highland Centre, from 1 pm to 6 pm. This Edinburgh expansion follows recent news of Premier Inn’s largest hotel in northern England, a 276-room property at Manchester Airport, set to serve the UK’s third busiest airport. Whitbread’s latest projects continue to underline its commitment to strategic growth in high-traffic locations, providing convenient, high-quality accommodation for travellers across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Luxury Indian hotel brand Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first UK location in London’s exclusive Mayfair district. The hotel will be part of Grosvenor’s landmark South Molton development and will occupy a prime position at 40-46 Brook Street, promising to deliver Oberoi’s renowned elegance, exceptional service, and signature attention to detail. Grosvenor secured planning approval for the restoration of this 33,000 sq ft listed building in 2022, making it a focal point of the South Molton scheme. This ambitious project is the West End’s largest mixed-use development, combining the hotel with new offices, housing, cafés, shops, restaurants, and community spaces. The development also includes two office buildings spanning 267,000 sq ft through a joint venture with Mitsui Fudosan UK, creating new corporate headquarters on Brook Street and Davies Street. South Molton is poised to become a new gateway to Mayfair, anticipated to generate an annual £6.5 million spend, and create 1,000 permanent jobs, along with 450 jobs and apprenticeships during construction. Work began in November 2023, with all phases expected to conclude by the end of 2027. Rachel Dickie, Executive Director of Investment and Development at Grosvenor, expressed excitement about the Oberoi partnership: “Securing such a prestigious brand as Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is a clear step towards creating an internationally significant destination in the heart of Mayfair.” Mr Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “Our partnership with Grosvenor is a pivotal step in our international expansion. London is a key market for us, and we are thrilled to bring our distinctive hospitality style to Mayfair.” Vikram Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of The Oberoi Group, added, “Bringing the Oberoi experience to London, especially in such a vibrant and iconic location, marks a major milestone for our brand. The Oberoi, Mayfair, will offer an intimate retreat embodying both luxury and the city’s dynamic spirit.” JLL acted on behalf of Grosvenor, while EIH London Investments Ltd was represented by Johnny Sandelson. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Popular holiday operator Center Parcs has revealed ambitious plans to establish its first holiday village in Scotland, marking a significant expansion into the country and a major boost for Scottish tourism. The new resort, planned for a picturesque location three miles north of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, represents an investment of £350–400 million and promises to bring long-lasting economic benefits to the region. The proposed resort will feature around 700 premium lodges, offering a luxury, nature-oriented holiday experience. Guests will enjoy a wide range of facilities, including an Aqua Sana Forest Spa, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise water park, shops, restaurants, and bars—all seamlessly integrated with the area’s stunning natural landscapes. In addition to its long-term economic contributions, the resort is expected to generate approximately 1,200 permanent jobs locally. During the construction phase, it will create between 750 and 800 temporary jobs, providing immediate employment opportunities for skilled workers in the region. The project is in its early planning stages, with a formal application slated for 2025. Center Parcs’ expansion into Scotland is in response to high demand from Scottish families, many of whom currently travel to the operator’s sites in England. Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity to transform leisure and tourism in the Scottish Borders. Center Parcs is a beloved destination for families across the UK and Ireland, and there is strong demand to support a seventh village in Scotland.” He added, “Throughout our history, we have demonstrated the local, regional, and national economic benefits that a Center Parcs village can bring. Many Scottish families already visit our villages in England, so this new location will enable them to enjoy their holidays closer to home while positively impacting the local economy.” A focus on sustainability is central to Center Parcs’ vision for the project. McKinlay explained, “Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. For over three decades in the UK and Ireland, we have transformed commercial woodlands into rich ecosystems, significantly boosting biodiversity. This site gives us an opportunity to go further, creating new woodlands with a commitment to biodiversity net gain and planting thousands of new trees.” In the lead-up to the formal planning submission, Center Parcs will continue site surveys, design development, and consultations with local communities, ensuring the project aligns with local needs and environmental priorities. Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman of the Buccleuch Group, voiced support for the project, saying: “This development promises outstanding benefits for tourism and leisure in the Scottish Borders, and we’re thrilled to have signed an agreement enabling Center Parcs to take its next steps.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hilton Woking features extensive meeting and event facilities, including Surrey’s largest hotel ballroom, alongside panoramic views from its 22nd floor LOFT Sky Bar, and marks a significant step in the town’s regeneration. Hilton has just celebrated the opening of Hilton Woking, a 189-room hotel situated in the heart of the town’s ongoing regeneration project. Located in the newly developed Victoria Square, the hotel is within walking distance of 150 shops, restaurants, the New Victoria Theatre Woking, the Italia Conti dance conservatoire, and Woking Superbowl – an entertainment complex featuring bowling, an arcade and laser quest. The property features well-appointed rooms, including 14 suites and executive rooms with access to the Executive Lounge on the 22nd floor, providing the perfect backdrop to work or unwind. Each room is equipped with contemporary interiors and offers panoramic views of Woking and the Surrey countryside. Additionally, all guests will have access to a 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness centre, equipped with Technogym. Culinary delights await too, with the LOFT Sky Bar on the 22nd floor serving expertly crafted cocktails and a Pan-Asian menu designed to be shared, featuring dishes like Banana Leaf Wrapped Scallion Chimichurri Stone Bass, Josper Grilled Hereford Beef Fillet and Padrón Pepper Kushiyaki Skewer. The OXBO restaurant on the 21st floor celebrates farm-to-fork British cuisine, featuring a selection of sharing platters, that highlights the freshest local produce and reflects the hotel’s commitment to the environment and community. Standout items include the Steak and Blue Cheese Flatbread, OXBO Burger with Brown Ale Rarebit, and Spicy Cauliflower Fritters. For a more casual gathering with friends or colleagues, the GLOW Lounge offers a modern barista experience. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president and managing director, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “As Woking continues its impressive transformation, we’re proud to play a key role in shaping its future. With a prime location, contemporary design and exceptional amenities, Hilton Woking is committed to meeting the growing demand for high quality accommodation in the area, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this fantastic new hotel.” Guests can easily explore some of the UK’s premier family-friendly attractions, including Mercedes-Benz World, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor, all within a 30-minute drive of the hotel. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s exceptional location, situated under 20 miles from 20 of the top 100 golf courses in England. Among these is the historic Woking Golf Club, one of England’s oldest heathland courses and Wentworth Golf Club, which is home to the BMW PGA Championship. A short walk away from Woking Station, the hotel also offers direct train links to Central London, with London Waterloo reachable in under 25 minutes. All terminals at London Heathrow Airport are accessible within 45 minutes by car, and London Gatwick Airport is approximately an hour’s drive away, making the hotel an ideal base for guests looking to travel further afield. Hilton Woking features extensive event facilities, including Surrey’s largest hotel ballroom with a theatre-style capacity of 609 people and a banqueting capacity of 384, plus eleven versatile meeting rooms and two private dining spaces, making it the perfect venue for corporate events, weddings, or meetings. Each space is equipped with premium audio-visual technology to ensure seamless experiences. The hotel also proudly participates in Hilton’s ‘Meet with Purpose’ programme, which helps clients reduce the environmental impact of their meetings and make a positive contribution to the local community. The programme focuses on three key areas: reducing waste and energy use, offering locally sourced, healthier catering options, and promoting attendee wellness. Honouring Woking’s historical evolution, the 23-storey hotel has been designed by Benoy, the lead architect for the wider Victoria Square mixed-use development, with hotel fit-out design by Gensler, and Hilton contributing its expertise in hospitality. Gensler prioritised sourcing local materials and commissioned contemporary artwork from local artists to feature in the hotel. The integration of metal finishes with timber elements reflects both the town’s 19th-century growth, driven by the arrival of the railway, and its surrounding natural landscape. The hotel’s signage, featuring a font inspired by that era’s typography, pays homage to Woking’s transformation from a rural village into a key transport hub connecting London to nearby regions. Kelly Shrives-Wrist, general manager of the hotel said: “We’re thrilled to open the doors to this incredible new hotel, offering fantastic rooms, great meeting spaces, and vibrant dining options for   visitors and locals alike. Not only is it a great place to stay, but we’re immensely proud to be supporting the local community – from creating 60 jobs to working with nearby suppliers that share our core value to make a positive impact.” Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council, added: “It’s great to see the much-anticipated opening of Hilton Woking. We hope that the state-of-the-art hotel will bring significant economic benefits and strengthen Woking’s position as a vibrant and attractive destination to live, work and visit. I wish the new hotel every success.” Guests of all Hilton properties can benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences. Hilton Honors members can also unlock access to instant rewards and benefits, such as contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts.    Victoria Square is the latest successful milestone in Woking town centre’s regeneration. In addition to the Hilton hotel, the development comprises The Marches, a purpose-built residential scheme offering 429 high-quality apartments that are now fully let, providing a wonderful community in the heart of the town centre. There is also 125,000 sq. ft of retail space, anchored by a 50,000 sq. ft Marks and Spencer store and a 27,500 sq. ft Boots. The retail space features a mix of local and national operators, including GAIL’s Bakery, Lark, Sostrene Grene, and Skechers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals