The Royal Nawaab today confirms that it has submitted a planning application to Stockport Metropolitan Council for a change of use to turn the existing vacant office building into a restaurant and three banquet halls.  Royal Nawaab has built a reputation for providing an unrivalled dining experience at its two restaurants in the South East close to London in Perivale and Ilford.   The planning application submitted includes a restaurant with a capacity of 350 covers, three banquet halls that will range from a small, with a maximum capacity of 150 covers; a medium sized banquet hall with a maximum capacity of 300 covers and a large banquet hall with a maximum capacity of 700 covers.  Royal Nawaab’s sites are more than just a restaurant, they offer space, amenities and logistics to handle large corporate events, parties and awe-inspiring weddings. The Pyramid in Stockport is where they are hoping to start their new chapter.    Mahboob Hussain of Royal Nawaab said: “After much speculation in the media, we can confirm that we have submitted our planning application to Stockport Council. We are hoping to breathe much needed life into this iconic building and bring with it a significant investment and job creation into the Stockport and Greater Manchester region.   “We have received a positive reaction to our plans from local people and media. It truly is an iconic building that has put Stockport on the map. We now want to bring it back to life with a truly unforgettable dining experience for diners across Stockport, Greater Manchester and beyond.”   Fozia Alharby from Eamar Developments told us: “The owner Dr Abdullah Alnaeem is delighted that Royal Nawaab is now able to share their plans for the Pyramid. We have long been fans of the brand and we wanted to ensure that we brought something special to Stockport, they are the perfect fit. The plans for the space will offer so much more than a restaurant, it presents a destination to bring more people to Stockport.”   Part of the ethos behind Royal Nawaab’s approach is to work with locally based businesses to bring the project to fruition. The team has worked with NK Architects based in Cheadle, Stockport to submit the planning application.   To review plans please visit DC/089342 | Change of use of existing office building to Buffet Restaurant, Banquet Halls and storage with ancillary offices | The Pyramid Kings Valley Yew Street Heaton Mersey Stockport SK4 2JU Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The major redevelopment of the lido at Northcroft Leisure Centre, Newbury has completed following a £5.7 million investment.  Commissioned by West Berkshire Council and developed by Alliance Leisure working in partnership with Myrtha Pools and Universal Civils & Build through the UK Leisure Framework, the new outdoor facilities include a 50 metre, Olympic length outdoor swimming pool, a splash pad and fun slides, beach hut style changing rooms, a sun terrace and a relaxation area, all of which are fully accessible.    Greg Walker, Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure, says: “It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying this amazing space again. There has been a lido on this site since 1870 so it’s part of the local DNA.   “The original pool was affected by ground water levels, which, over the years, undermined the integrity of the structure and became increasingly expensive to maintain. Now that the pool has been re-engineered with the benefit of modern-day learnings and technologies, families will be able to enjoy the many physical, mental and social benefits of this amazing facility for generations to come.”  It is forecast that the new facilities, opened on the 21st August 2023, will accommodate 50,000 attendances each season.  Kevin Burns, UK business development manager at Myrtha Pools, says: “Like most lidos across the country, modern technology is affording leisure operators the chance to redevelop and plan for the future.  “The new pool benefits from our precision engineered chromium-rich steel technology, which futureproofs the lido for decades to come, both in terms of ongoing maintenance costs and sustainability savings. This project is a prime example of how existing facilities can be renovated and improved upon, without beginning a new build process from scratch, which is increasingly important as council’s and leisure operators look to optimise budgets.”  In addition to attracting more visitors to the facility through the inclusion of the splash pad, main pool, slides, residents will now also enjoy an extended season.  Greg Walker explains that this is thanks to the redesign of the pool. He says, “By shortening the pool from 72 metres to 50 metres and reducing the depth from a maximum of 2.8 metres to a profile from 0.9m to 1.58m, pressure on the structure has been reduced and maintenance demands have been eased. This means the facilities can now be operational from April right through to the end of September. This not only extends access to this amazing community provision, but has created a more sustainable financial proposition.”  Adding to this, Martin Davies, Director at Universal Civils & Build, says: “We have been privileged to manage this project almost from inception, through detailed design and build, to final delivery. This has not been without its complications imposed by budget, timescales & engineering complexity but has been a great challenge. We have used the in-house ground solution & piling teams of our Group to support us, which alongside Myrtha Pools has allowed us to jointly create a wonderful community facility.” The UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure LTD (DLL) has supported many community leisure development projects from full scale multisite leisure centre new builds to 3G pitches and pump tracks. Speaking about this project, Jamie Groves, Managing Director, says: “This is exactly the kind of project we launched the Framework to support. The Northcroft lido has been a part of the community’s landscape for more than a century and it’s fantastic to secure its future for many more years to come.   “This was a technical project that required a high level of specialist expertise. Through the UK Leisure Framework we were able to engage expertise at all levels of the supply chain and feed this back through a single point of contact, Alliance Leisure. This helped to mitigate any risks that could threaten the budget or timescale of the project and ensured a smooth transition from concept through to launch.”  Janine Lewis, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Public Health, Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside added, “Working in partnership with Alliance Leisure, we’ve breathed new life into a much-loved facility and created a model that will enable thousands of residents and visitors from far afield to enjoy the pleasures of outdoor swimming and other water activities for many years to come. We can now all celebrate the success of this project together.”  Moving forwards, Everyone Active has been appointed under a ten-year term to manage the Northcroft Leisure Centre and Lido as part of a wider leisure management agreement with West Berkshire Council. 

Construction company I&G have been appointed to develop a new, purpose built, environmentally friendly visitor centre and café at Thrybergh Country Park, on the outskirts of Rotherham. The new facility will be built using modern methods of construction, with structurally insulated panels (SIPs) being manufactured offsite and erected in position, allowing a quicker, more efficient and more environmentally friendly process than a traditional build. The building will be in keeping with the natural environment of the country park, using timber from sustainable sources and natural materials which will blend into the greenery and water of its surroundings. The development, being delivered on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, will include a new café, visitor centre and educational facility for the local community to enjoy, alongside a new external teaching space and amphitheatre with stunning views across the reservoir. Christopher Carline, I&G Managing Director, said: “Creating the building in this way using modern methods of construction will have a positive impact on the long term performance of the building in terms of its energy efficiency and carbon impact. “Thrybergh Country Park is a beautiful spot, which attracts many visitors throughout the year, and we hope the new café and visitor centre will allow more people to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, as well as creating more opportunities for ecological education.” Detailed design work is currently being developed, with work likely to begin on site early next year, and the buildings are expected to be completed by early autumn 2024. Thrybergh Country Park is a reservoir and nature reserve in South Yorkshire, which opened in 1983. Popular with walkers and families, the country park provides an important habitat for birds and other wildlife, with over 155 species of bird having been recorded there, as well as 20 different mammals and 170 types of plants. The £2.5m visitor centre has been funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up grant. I&G is a construction company that has been operating across the North of England since 1972. The company is known for being experts at complex construction works in difficult environments, such as hospital wards, food production facilities and educational laboratories. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Travelodge, the pioneers of the UK budget hotel sector, are delighted to announce that this year they are upgrading a further 55 hotels across their estate to the group’s new Budget-Luxe design.  Twenty five of these hotels in key staycation destinations have been fast tracked to be completed in time for summer – the company’s busiest trading period. This includes the group’s two biggest hotels, the 463-room, Covent Garden and the 408- room, Kings Cross Royal Scot London Travelodge hotels. Other key staycation locations include: Cheltenham, Ipswich, Oxford, Newport and  Southampton.    The latest Travelodge Travel Index report has revealed that despite the current ‘cost of the living crisis’- the majority (63%) of Britons have booked a summer holiday this year and (72%) of these holidaymakers are holidaying on British shores this summer.  Staycationers are expected to be splashing out on average £1011.30 for their holiday and will collectively spend around £20 billion holidaying at home this summer.   The new Travelodge Budget-Luxe design has been created on the success of the group’s budget chic hotel format, TravelodgePLUS with feedback from the company’s largest consumer study – which surveyed around 5,000 UK business and leisure travellers to find the psychographics of the modern budget traveller. Key findings revealed that modern travellers crave style, choice and little homely touches to make it easier to work, rest and relax both inside and outside of the room.  In response to this consumer insight, the Travelodge interiors team have remodelled their core product with a new budget-luxe design that includes all the low cost efficiencies you would expect from Travelodge but with the added benefit of thoughtful, stylish design and homely touches throughout its interiors. This is underpinned by the introduction of a new signature rich navy blue brand colour which pays homage to the first iconic Travelodge blue brand colour- chosen for its calming and uplifting qualities. In essence all the key essentials that matter to modern business and leisure travellers. The upgrade also features a number of sustainable initiatives, including carpet made from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles, low energy lighting installed throughout the hotel with motion sensing controls and aerated showers and taps in the en-suite bathrooms.  The Travelodge budget-luxe upgrade programme includes a timeless classic, elegant style reception which is the hub of the hotel. A next generation room which has been smartly devised to create a multi-dimensional space by utilising the new luxurious signature Travelodge navy blue colour for the R&R (resting and relaxing) section of the room and a serene colour palette for the functional and energising side of the room to work and get ready. Plus a contemporary designed restaurant called the Bar Café – that features spaces for guests to work, relax and socialise.   Steve Bennett, Travelodge, Chief Property & Development Officer said: “We are making good progress with our Budget-Luxe UK hotel upgrade programme and our current schedule includes upgrading a further 55 hotels this year. As we are expected to have another bumper staycation year, we have fast tracked 25 of these hotels to be upgraded for the summer season.  This includes two of our biggest hotels within the estate in London at Covent Garden and Kings Cross Royal Scot. As well as key staycation destinations such as Oxford, Southampton, Liverpool, Newport and Cheltenham.”           This upgrade is our most radical transformation to date and is a complete overhaul of our existing design. Customer feedback has been extremely positive for our Budget-Luxe design and by the end of this year, around 20% of our UK hotels will feature our premium Budget-Luxe design from Fort William to Newquay.”     Travelodge has also worked with the famous Psychologist, Corrine Sweet on its new budget-luxe hotel design.  Psychologist Corinne Sweet said: “Recent psychological research shows people’s tastes are changing and incorporating homely touches into décor and design are becoming essential to create a calming environment for wellbeing.  The new Travelodge budget-luxe design fits the bill as the premium look and feel is a good mixture of high functionality, comfort and calmness which helps guests feel psychologically refreshed.” The new Travelodge budget-luxe design features   A new hub of the hotel – a redesigned elegant reception  The new reception area has been designed in a warm timeless classic style featuring a decorative panel design, soft low LED lighting, stylish leather bench seating and wooden style flooring. The new colour palette includes the new warm Travelodge signature navy blue shade complemented against a palette of fresh tranquil neutral shades – creating a big warm welcome from Travelodge.  The next generation multi-dimensional Travelodge room   The new chic Travelodge room offers everything a business or leisure guest needs for a comfortable, relaxing stay and most importantly a good night’s sleep. The room has been smartly decorated to create a multi-dimensional space by utilising the new luxurious signature Travelodge navy blue colour for the R&R (Resting and Relaxing) section of the room and a serene colour palette for the functional and energising side of the room where you need to work and get ready.  The bespoke luxurious king-size Travelodge Dreamer bed remains the king of the room and is dressed with crisp white bed linen which includes a cosy 10.5 tog duvet and comfy pillows. The bed sits within a light box bed frame that emanates a soft, warm glow to aid relaxation and features bedside reading lights and USB charging points.  Located above the bed is a bespoke piece of artwork commissioned by Travelodge which has been inspired by classic lullabies, with clever use of playful and discoverable elements to help you drift off to sleep.   The en-suite bathroom also features a new brilliant white complementary design and décor with complimentary hand, hair and body wash.  Other key features of the new room include:  ● Complimentary WIFI for 30 mins £3 for 24 hours                              A stylish on-site restaurant with a statement bar called the ‘Bar Café’   The stylish Bar Café features a well-designed space for guests to work, relax and socialise. The restaurant features

The latest plans have been approved for the new 12,500 capacity international grade Sage Arena and International Conference Centre (ICC), located in the heart of Gateshead on the banks of the River Tyne. On Wednesday 12th July 2023, Gateshead Council’s planning committee granted permission for revised plans for the ICC and Arena, as well as an urban park, which will enhance biodiversity in the area and provide both pedestrian link and lift access from South Shore Road and the Millennium Bridge area up to Hawks Road, Gateshead College and the recently approved hotels. Whilst the development most recently gained planning permission in March 2022, a revised planning application was submitted in March 2023 due to design and scheme changes. The dual branded 344 bed hotel has been relocated to vacant land within Baltic Quarter, directly opposite The Sage development, and the land occupied by the hotels in the original design, will be opened up as an urban park bringing valuable green space into the area and enhancing biodiversity. Changes within the planning application also included updates to the timeline for the delivery of The Sage. A number of global factors outside the Council and its partners control have impacted, and are continuing to impact, on the development. The issues include the ongoing impact of Covid on the supply chain, inflationary pressures, energy prices and the war in Ukraine. To mitigate these impacts the developer has broken down the scheme into smaller delivery packages.  Construction work is due to begin this Autumn on what forms one of the major projects for Gateshead Council and the region, the Sage International Conference Centre. Opening in 2025, the ICC includes 5,720sqm state of the art exhibition space, 2,520sqm adaptable meeting space, 17 conference rooms and a banqueting suite. A regional asset, the ICC will be the only such facility between Yorkshire and Scotland and will bring the world stage to the North East, much like the Arena and ICC sponsor, Sage Plc. There has already been very strong interest from the international conference market in hosting in Gateshead. The Sage Arena and International Conference Centre will transform the south bank of the River Tyne into one of the UK’s most dynamic visitor destinations. The impact on the visitor economy is vast, bringing an estimated 1 million+ additional visitors to the world -famous Quayside, many for overnight stays. The potential ongoing economic impact is transformational for the businesses and residents of Gateshead, with a direct investment of over £99m per annum in the local economy and an additional £70m of direct investment beyond the venue itself, particularly in the local hospitality sector. Add 2000 jobs, links to local labour and apprenticeships and the flagship project will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area and beyond. Earlier this year, Gateshead Council secured £20m in funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Government recognised the economic impact the development will have, how it is a vital piece in the jigsaw for increasing opportunities for residents to secure long term sustainable jobs, promoting local business, restoring civic pride in the borough and bringing millions of pounds of investment to Gateshead and the North East region. The development acts as a catalyst for £2billion of investment of multi purpose development which will be fundamental in transforming the riverside from Gateshead Quays to the Derwent Valley. Gateshead Council is working closely with the private sector to attract investment to the borough. There are multiple investment opportunities on the banks of the River Tyne and beyond, including land for up to 6,000 homes and up-to 700,000 sqm of commercial development. In June 2023, the contractor for the adjacent hotel was announced as Russell WBHO. The hotel will be located on a 0.5-acre site at the corner of Quarryfield Road and Hawks Road, accommodating future visitors to The Sage International Conference Centre and Arena, as well as supporting the wider region. The planning application for the 180,898  sq ft, nine storey hotel was approved by Gateshead Council in March 23 and Russell WBHO is planning to commence work on the two year build programme before the end of the year. Designed by AHR Architects, the hotel will feature restaurants, bars and business meeting rooms as well as a gym and will be managed by Vine Hotels. The hotel is expected to create 75 full time hospitality jobs with an additional 40 new roles across the regional supply chain. The hotel will have the ability to accommodate 210,000 visitor nights per year, contributing an estimated £13m annual contribution being made to the local economy. It is estimated that the Sage development will provide over 2000 jobs, and the companies running the buildings will engage positively to employ local people with Working Gateshead – a team of trained coaches within Gateshead Council who support Gateshead residents to find a job. This will include c650 construction jobs, working with the contractors to establish a construction training village securing opportunities for local young people. It is also estimated there will be 300 jobs throughout the wider supply chain. Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: ‘‘Today marks another major milestone in the project and we’re looking forward to bringing the Sage Arena and ICC to Gateshead, attracting high-profile events and conferences to our region. The development will bring numerous opportunities and benefits to our residents, attracting visitors and creating jobs and bringing millions of pounds of investment to Gateshead and the North East.’’ “This is an excellent step forward. We welcome all progress on the Sage Arena and International Conference Centre (ICC). It will be such a transformational asset for our whole region, showcasing our strengths to a global audience and supporting the growth of our visitor economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals