A powerhouse delegation, headed by the Government’s Lisa Nandy MP (Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), visited Everton Stadium during the Labour party’s annual conference in Liverpool. Ms Nandy, the MP for Wigan, was accompanied on the tour of the Club’s new waterfront home by Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Andy Burham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Jade Botterill MP prior to their attendance at the conference, which is regarded as one of the biggest political gatherings in Europe. The political VIPs, along with senior Government civil servants and policy makers, were impressed to hear how advanced manufacturing, digital technology and assembly techniques had been utilised on this ‘once-in-a-generation’ development. Everton’s Interim CEO Colin Chong hosted the group with Laing O’ Rourke’s CEO Cathal O’Rourke, as they toured the stadium. As well as learning more about The Plaza, the refurbished Grade II Listed hydraulic tower and the Club’s steadfast commitment to accessibility, the delegation also learnt how more than £280m of social value had been created during the build. Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “Everton is a Club with a rich and proud history – this new stadium will play an important part in not only the club’s next chapter, but also the future of Liverpool City Region. “Both Andy and Steve have expressed the incredible contribution that Everton Football Club makes to the local community, and we absolutely share their excitement for the official opening in August 2025”. Everton Stadium, which has been under construction since the summer of 2021, is widely recognised as one of the largest single-site private sector developments in the country, contributing an estimated £1.3bn boost to the UK economy, creating tens of thousands of jobs and is estimated to attract 1.4m visitors to the city of Liverpool, annually. Colin Chong, Everton’s Interim CEO, said: “It was great to have to the opportunity of hosting the Secretary of State and Lisa’s Labour colleagues at Everton Stadium. “I’d like to thank Lisa, Steve, Andy, Jade and all the civil servants for taking the time out of their busy conference schedule to see this important development for themselves. “I know they were impressed with the stadium and how the Club’s Stadium Operations team and Laing O’Rourke have harnessed digital technologies and modern methods of construction to deliver a project of the highest quality. As the project nears completion, they also saw how transformative it will be for city as the Club’s ambitious plans continue to provide new opportunities, raise aspirations and create a lasting legacy.” Everton Stadium is due to be completed on schedule later this year and the Club is planning a series of test events early next year in anticipation of playing their first competitive fixture at the new waterfront home next August. Cathal O’Rourke, Group Chief Executive at Laing O’Rourke, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State and Mayors of Liverpool and Manchester as well as their Labour colleagues to Everton Stadium to see the incredible progress our team is making.  As a result of our manufacturing led approach to construction, in less than three and a half years we have gone from a water-filled dock to a world-class stadium that is now just months from completion. We are proud to be working with Everton on a project that is the catalyst for the regeneration of this part of north Liverpool, and which has created employment, training and educational opportunities for thousands of local people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new vibrant leisure centre in Bearsden near Glasgow has scooped the gold ‘Diversity in the Public Sector’ award at The Herald and GenAnalytics’ 2024 Diversity Awards Scotland, which honours innovative projects promoting diversity and inclusion in Scotland. The architect behind the community centre’s design, Holmes Miller, has been recognised for exceeding public sector standards to fully address the needs of diverse community members. The much admired £42.5m Allander Leisure Centre was designed by Holmes Miller in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council to replace the original Allander sports complex. Enhancing community wellbeing, the recreational hub offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool with spa facilities, a hydrotherapy pool, a gym and fitness areas, an eight-court games hall, two squash courts, a café, and a state-of-the-art sports dome featuring tennis courts and football pitches. The centre also provides inclusive services for adults with learning disabilities and has been praised for its positive impact which extends across the local population, particularly benefiting individuals with learning disabilities. Treatment rooms dedicated to dementia care, rebound therapy, sensory therapy, and physiotherapy have been incorporated into the facility, in addition to training kitchens and designated spaces to enjoy arts and crafts, music and dance. The 2024 Diversity Awards Scotland ceremony took place at the Radisson Blu Glasgow, bringing industry leaders together to celebrate trailblazing facilities that are driving positive change across the country. Ian Cooney, Project Director at Holmes Miller, said: “Designing spaces with diversity and inclusion at their core is essential for building positive relationships. Many outdated community facilities are no longer fit for purpose, and we’re proud to be part of the change, working closely with public authorities to provide better opportunities for those who need them most. “By combining leisure and adult care services, Allander Leisure Centre ensures everyone has access to the high-quality amenities necessary for their health and wellbeing. We’re thrilled that this standout project has been recognised for truly impacting local lives, and we look forward to its continued success in the years ahead.” David Kelly, Allander Operations Manager, East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture, said: “In this time of austerity, the design of health and wellbeing facilities needs to continue to adapt and evolve to ensure local authorities can provide good value for their communities. We’ve combined two tired and energy hungry existing facilities and created an efficient and sustainable integrated community hub that serves everyone in the area. “The new Allander delivers flexible facilities that will give local people an exceptional quality of experience, both now and in the future.” Joanne Hemmings, Associate at Holmes Miller, said: “Winning the Diversity Awards Scotland is an incredible honour. Our team has poured their passion into creating a vibrant leisure facility where everyone feels welcome. This project showcases how thoughtful architectural design can strengthen community spirit and provide a space for all to enjoy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Gym Group is forging ahead with its ambitious growth strategy, targeting the opening of around 50 new gyms over the next three years, according to its CEO, Will Orr. In its latest interim results, the company revealed that four new gyms had already opened in the first half of the year, with locations in London Euston, Welwyn Garden City, Orpington, and Manchester. Since then, an additional three gyms have launched, bringing the total new openings to seven for 2024. With a strong development pipeline in place, The Gym Group has secured sites that will allow it to open between 10 and 12 new locations by the end of the year, in line with its previous forecasts. Orr also highlighted the partnership with property agent Savills, which is set to deliver 15 to 20 new sites in 2025, further accelerating the company’s expansion efforts. This growth comes amid a period of robust financial performance for The Gym Group. The company reported a 12% year-on-year increase in revenue for the six months ending 30 June 2024, reaching £112.1 million. It also returned to profitability, posting an adjusted pre-tax profit of £0.5 million, a significant turnaround from a £5.2 million loss in the same period the previous year. Looking ahead, The Gym Group expects to achieve a like-for-like revenue growth of 5-6% for 2024. Additionally, with a newly signed £90 million three-year bank facility, the company is well-positioned to continue its expansion, funded through free cash flow. Will Orr commented: “Our positive trading momentum in the first half reflects the early success of our ‘Next Chapter’ strategy, introduced in March. Membership, revenue, and profit have all increased, and our market-leading offering is resonating more than ever in a growing sector. We’re confident in our ability to deliver strong results for the full year, and our plans for the autumn trading period are firmly in place.” With the future looking bright, The Gym Group is not only focused on expanding its footprint but also on solidifying its market leadership in the fast-growing fitness sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

London’s newest riverside hotspot is set to launch next summer behind Fulham’s iconic Craven Cottage stadium, featuring a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafés, a boutique hotel, spa, members’ club, and a cultural venue with stunning views of the Thames. Details were revealed yesterday about the forthcoming Fulham Pier, a promenade opening up a previously inaccessible stretch of the river between Putney and Hammersmith. This seven-storey development, designed by renowned architects Populous, is the latest phase in the ongoing transformation of Craven Cottage, a Premier League stadium with a rich history dating back to 1896. The Riverside Market on the ground floor will introduce a range of exciting dining options when it opens next year, including Raps, a chicken brand by rapper Tinie Tempah, Goila Butter Chicken, Base Face Pizza by lifelong Fulham fan Tim Thornton, and Fat Pickle, a burger joint run by Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen graduate, Big Has. A cultural hub, dubbed the Orange Box, will host live events such as podcasts and comedy nights, while the first floor will feature a “destination restaurant and brasserie.” The second storey is designed for meetings and events, and the upper levels will include a boutique hotel, a health spa, and a members’ club complete with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Thames. Fulham FC Chairman Shahid Khan said: “There is no other riverside setting like this in London. Our vision is to maximise the breathtaking views of the riverfront while introducing an iconic promenade, offering a waterfront experience on every floor. This is the first stadium transformation of its kind in Europe, and we’re excited to share the space with our community and visitors, not just on matchdays, but throughout the year.” Glen Sutton, Director of Fulham Pier, added: “We saw a unique opportunity to utilise our incredible riverside location to create a destination for the community. With year-round events, a diverse range of dining options, and support for small businesses—including zero rent opportunities—we’re thrilled to be delivering a new social hub for west London residents, visitors, and tourists alike.” This ambitious development promises to make Fulham Pier a must-visit destination, blending culture, cuisine, and community in a unique riverside setting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

THE REGENERATION project to transform four dilapidated railway arches on America Street, Southwark has completed, delivering vibrant new spaces for restaurants, cafés, bars, and other leisure businesses to thrive in a Central London location. The arches, situated under a 19th century railway viaduct between Southwark Bridge Road and Great Guildford Street, have undergone extensive renovation and revitalisation works, including the re-lining of all arch spaces, new insulated floor slabs suitable for restaurant use, energy efficiency upgrades, and glazed front infills. As design architect for the scheme, Stephen George + Partners (SGP) drew on both its technical expertise and strong track record working with historic buildings to create the contemporary spaces, which nod to the industrial heritage of the arches. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is also behind the scheme, delivering structural and civil engineering building services in close collaboration with project partners, including property portfolio holder, The Arch Company. Santosh Patel, strategic account director at Pick Everard, said: “It’s been a pleasure to be part of another revitalisation project with The Arch Company and SGP. Having initially performed investigation works to assess the structural integrity of the arches and provide drainage solutions, our collaborative efforts to revitalise the railway arches into thriving social spaces have proved instrumental in its success. “We look forward to seeing the historic spaces reach their full potential with a new array of restaurants, cafes and bars that have allowed more businesses to thrive and new communities to form.” SGP’s proposals for the alteration of the America Street arches were carefully considered in a site-specific response, providing contemporary and adaptable arch spaces for prospective tenants. High-quality façade materials were utilised within the elevation design, while the design and style of the infills helped create an on-brand aesthetic to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area. The completed work also forms part of attracting investment under the Low Line regeneration initiative, created to breathe new life into the Victorian railway viaduct that connects diverse neighbourhoods through Bankside, London Bridge, and Bermondsey. Josh White, SGP principal architectural technologist, said: “The ultimate aim was for the street to be pedestrianised and so our design incorporates active frontages to increase the connection with the street. We have large glazed frontages along America Street, and to firmly anchor the scheme within the local milieu and further enhance the streetscape, bifold doors can open up onto the street, while a space to the front of two of the units can be adapted for outside seating and planting to create an appealing aesthetic to the Low Line.” Roger King, operations director at The Arch Company, said: “We’re pleased to see the transformation of these railway arches complete. We sought to invest here in order to create spaces for businesses to thrive within. Given their excellent location, we encourage anyone interested in renting these arches to get in touch directly.” The America Street project is just one of ten+ projects SGP has been commissioned on. Two schemes have recently achieved planning consent in Manchester and are due to start on site soon. Elsewhere in London, SGP, Pick Everard and The Arch Company have concluded work on Witan Street, an initiative comprising the refurbishment of six arches into high-specification commercial premises for light industrial use, located just 16 minutes away from the City of London. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McDonald’s has unveiled plans for a significant £1 billion investment aimed at opening over 200 new restaurants across the UK and Ireland over the next four years, which will result in the creation of more than 24,000 new jobs. This ambitious expansion underscores the company’s commitment to growing its presence and supporting local communities. The investment, outlined in the “McDonald’s at 50” report by planning consultancy Lichfields, highlights the company’s substantial contributions to the UK economy. In 2023 alone, McDonald’s spent over £2 billion with UK-based suppliers and farmers, while supporting 209,475 jobs nationwide. As part of its growth strategy, McDonald’s will introduce new restaurant formats, including smaller “Drive to” locations, alongside a renewed focus on opening high street outlets. These developments are aligned with broader initiatives to revitalise town and city centres and could become a focal point at property networking events in London, particularly concerning their impact on the real estate and construction sectors. In addition to the new openings, McDonald’s will also upgrade more than 1,500 existing locations across the UK and Ireland. These refurbishments will ensure that the restaurants continue to meet evolving customer expectations and maintain the company’s ongoing commitment to quality and innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire and TeamSport, the ultimate indoor karting experience company, have agreed a partnership to invest £6 million in grassroots motorsport to deliver a new indoor electric go-karting centre. The proposed two-level track will be built inside Bicester Motion’s Hangar 137, a 31,000 sq ft (2,880 sq m), Grade 2 Listed building with access from Skimmingdish Lane. The partnership will enable Bicester Motion to invest £4 million to restore, rejuvenate and conserve the historic hangar’s external building fabric and for TeamSport to deliver a new £2 million state-of-the-art 500 metre electric go-karting track and centre to boost grassroots and women in motorsport talent. A planning application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council for the proposed change of use for e-karting purposes to deliver a long-term, viable use to facilitate the hangar’s repair and conservation. TeamSport has forty e-karting centres across London and the UK which are open for children aged eight onwards and adults to experience this form of highly competitive and popular motorsport. Also, TeamSport will offer a membership scheme and discount for student, NHS staff, emergency services and military personnel. TeamSport’s new electric go-karting track experience will support Bicester Motion’s strategy to continue to boost future mobility. Its 50-strong business community includes NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, Polestar’s UK HQ, Zapp, and record-breaking synthetic fuel manufacturer Zero, amongst many other pioneering specialist brands. The proposed new centre is adjacent to its new innovation project, a £60 million investment pioneering future mobility discovery and will deliver seven prestigious HQ buildings with views across the airfield and will total 215,000 sq ft (19,698 sq m). The first three buildings have been pre-let to Mercedes Benz-owned YASA for its new UK HQ as it continues to pioneer new electric drive technology. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “We warmly welcome TeamSport to Bicester Motion and our community. Being in the heart of Motorsport Valley and home to Motorsport UK’s HQ, the synergies are clear. Our estate is uniquely placed to offer this new experience for future young talent in Bicester and Oxfordshire and for the local community to enjoy and enable us to invest in sensitively restoring our much-loved hangar and secure its health for its second century.” Dominic Gaynor, chief executive officer, TeamSport said: “Our future talent starts on the go-kart track and for some time we have been looking to open in Motorsport Valley surrounded by the many F1 teams. Finding the right place and location were key and our new home at Bicester Motion is the perfect match. We will be providing an innovative and exhilarating new two-level track for everyone to enjoy and creating jobs in both the construction and operational phases. We look forward to progressing the planning application and starting work to deliver our latest adrenalin-filled indoor go-karting experience.” Hugh Chambers, chief executive officer, Motorsport UK which is based at Bicester Motion, added: “TeamSport is a valued partner of Motorsport UK delivering the British Indoor Karting Championships, the largest motorsport championship in the world, and the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive programme. With more than 5,500 annual participants in the BIKC, TeamSport provides an affordable route into the sport through their racing leagues, while Discover Your Drive has played a groundbreaking role in growing female participation in karting for 8-12 year old girls. We look forward to having them as our neighbours and opening the sport to the Bicester and Oxfordshire and wider community.” Richard Morris represented TeamSport. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals