The topping out ceremony at Ireland’s first citizenM hotel took place recently, marking a significant construction milestone for the project. citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s will be a nine-storey hotel from the award-winning hotel and lifestyle brand, situated at the former Molyneux House site opposite St Patrick’s Cathedral. Led by award-winning construction and fit-out firm, Gilbert-Ash, which is currently growing its team in Ireland, the 245-room hotel is set to open in 2025. The façade of Molyneux House redesigned by the renowned Dublin architect, Sam Stephenson, will be retained as part of the new build citizenM hotel. The hotel will feature 245 of citizenM’s signature bedrooms, with XL king-size beds, an HD TV offering streaming options via free super-fast Wi-Fi, a relaxing rain shower and customisable room ambience fully controlled by an in-room iPad or the guest’s own smartphone via the award-winning citizenM app – enabling a fully contactless experience for everything from the TV to the temperature, blinds and lights. In terms of public spaces, guests will be able to enjoy an art-filled ground floor ‘Living Room’ which will include a 24/7 canteenM bar, pantry and servery, self check-in area, comfortable seating areas with designer furniture from Vitra, and four inspiring societyM meeting rooms available for half-day and full-day use. Art and culture are key to citizenM’s brand – art and styling items are carefully selected and site specific for each hotel, drawing inspiration from the local community. To date, citizenM has worked with 140+ artists across its 34 hotels. citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s is designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards. It operates without a mains gas connection, powered by purchased renewable electricity and making use of a solar water collector. This ensures that guests can enjoy their stay while minimising their environmental impact, significantly reducing emissions per room night. It is the second project Gilbert-Ash has worked on with citizenM after the team completed the modular construction of citizenM London Victoria.     Gilbert-Ash Project Director, Sean Doran, said the company is proud to be once again working with citizenM on a hotel which will complement Dublin’s existing hospitality offering. He said: “It’s always pleasing to get to the topping out stage as the building really starts to emerge from the plans. “This building has a lot of character and we will be retaining part of the façade which will give the hotel’s appearance a nice balance of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. “There have been many technical elements to the job, but we are progressing well and working alongside citizenM and our other partners on this project has been hugely satisfying. “I have no doubt that when complete, citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s will be extremely popular with guests as it will step outside the traditional hotel model with the focus on affordable luxury for the people.” Klaas van Lookeren Campagne, CEO of citizenM, said he is excited to see the Dublin hotel progressing well, as the Irish capital has been high on the company’s list of target cities for some time. He said: “We are thrilled to have reached this milestone for our first ever hotel in Dublin, and our first entry into the Irish market. We believe our affordable luxury concept is a great fit for the city, and we look forward to connecting with this vibrant community.” citizenM has 34 hotels across the UK, North America, Europe and Asia. This marks the brand’s first venture into Ireland, and it is actively seeking further opportunities in Dublin city centre. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration.   To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com, and for more about citizenM visit www.citizenM.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

a&o Hostels, Europe’s largest privately owned hostel chain, has been making waves in the hospitality industry with its ambitious sustainability goals and strategic growth. Their commitment to converting existing properties into eco-friendly hostels is a testament to their innovative approach to building and construction, particularly in repurposing historic buildings for modern use. This strategy not only preserves the architectural heritage of European cities but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and green initiatives in the construction and hospitality sectors. Sustainable Growth through Building Conversions One of the most striking aspects of a&o’s expansion strategy is their focus on converting existing office and commercial properties into hostel accommodations. This approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with new construction, contributing to their goal of becoming Europe’s first net-zero hostel chain by 2025. The company’s sustainability report for 2023 highlights a 77% reduction in CO2 emissions per overnight stay since 2015, with current emissions standing at just 3.32 kilograms of CO2e per night. The environmental benefits of repurposing buildings are substantial. By avoiding the emissions linked to new construction, a&o is helping to conserve resources and reduce waste. Experts suggest that the carbon savings from these conversions could equal the emissions of up to 30 years of operation. This approach not only enhances the sustainability of their operations but also preserves the unique character of historic buildings, allowing guests to experience a piece of history during their stay. Embracing Green Renovations To further their green initiatives, a&o has committed to investing 20 million euros by 2029 in energy-efficient renovations of their existing properties. These renovations aim to achieve at least energy efficiency class C for every building, ensuring that the hostels are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective in the long term. A prime example of this is the recent modernisation of a&o’s Munich Hackerbrücke hostel, where around 5 million euros were spent on renovations to improve energy efficiency. Such efforts are part of a&o’s broader strategy to enhance the sustainability of their property portfolio, which currently consists of 39 hostels across nine European countries. A New Chapter in Brighton The recent opening of a&o Brighton, the company’s second UK property, exemplifies their commitment to sustainable growth and building conversion. The hostel is housed in a listed Regency-era building that once served as a hotel in 1819. By converting this historic property into a modern hostel, a&o has not only preserved its architectural heritage but also breathed new life into a structure with deep historical significance. Located in the heart of Brighton, with stunning views of the famous Brighton Pier, the hostel offers 50 rooms with a total of 186 beds. The property includes a Victorian-style lobby bar and a characterful restaurant, maintaining the building’s original charm while providing modern amenities for guests. Expanding with a Green Conscience As part of their growth strategy, a&o plans to continue expanding across Europe, with potential new locations in London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, and other major cities. The company is focused on sustainable growth, ensuring that each new property aligns with their long-term vision of sustainability and green practices. Their success in integrating sustainability into their business model is further evidenced by their record-breaking performance in 2023, with 6.1 million overnight stays and a turnover of 217 million euros. This momentum is likely to continue as the company leverages its sustainability credentials to attract environmentally conscious travellers. Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality a&o Hostels’ commitment to sustainability and green construction practices is setting a new standard in the hospitality industry. By converting existing buildings and investing in energy-efficient renovations, they are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also preserving the architectural heritage of Europe’s cities. As they continue to expand, a&o’s model of sustainable growth serves as an inspiration for the wider industry, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve business success while also protecting the environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Travelodge Rotherham Central has created 20 new jobs Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel chain, which operates more than 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially opened Travelodge Rotherham Central the group’s first hotel in Rotherham, and Rotherham’s first branded hotel. To mark the official opening of the 69-room Travelodge, an opening event was held on Monday, 22 July, attended by Tony O’Brien, Travelodge UK Development Director, and Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The hotel is part of Forge Island, a major urban regeneration project, in a waterside setting, which also includes a cinema, restaurants and leisure businesses. Travelodge is the only hotel provider in the town, providing a brilliant base for those visiting this brand new destination, Rotherham or the surrounding areas. The opening of Travelodge Rotherham Central has also created 20 new jobs for the area. This hotel has been developed to Travelodge’s new premium design – which is the group’s most significant brand transformation to date. The new design includes a redesigned reception, next-generation rooms, and a number of sustainable building features. Sustainability has been an important factor when designing the hotel, which has a BREEAM Very Good rating and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of B. The hotel also includes a number of sustainable features such as PV cells (a non-mechanical device that converts sunlight directly into electricity) on the roof, aerated shower heads and taps in bathrooms and EV car charging points in the car park. Rotherham Central Travelodge also features an upgraded Bar Cafe, which offers an all day dining service and welcomes both hotel guests and passers-by, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner menus as well as light bites and an extensively stocked bar. Healthy options under 600 kcal, vegan and gluten-free dishes are all available. All of this is offered at great value, including the Unlimited Breakfast offer, where two kids under the age of fifteen eat for free. The Travelodge hotel was delivered by nationwide placemaker, Muse in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, enabling Travelodge to bring thousands of visitors to the area each year, who will spend hundreds of thousands of pounds in the local shops, bars, restaurants and attractions. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director, Travelodge, said: “We are delighted to announce that our first hotel in Rotherham has now opened its doors. With its new premium design and great location, I have no doubt that our hotel in Rotherham will be a strong addition to the area. We have a fantastic hotel team in place, and are already receiving very positive feedback from customers. “Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is doing a great job in investing to regenerate the town centre. Its funding support has enabled the delivery of this development, at a time when private sector funding is in very scarce supply. This will be of great benefit to the Rotherham community for many years to come. Forge Island is a great addition to the town centre and will support the existing shops and attractions, such as Rotherham United’s AESSEAL New York stadium, so there is plenty for Travelodge’s business and leisure customers to enjoy.” Cllr Read said: “We are delighted to welcome Travelodge to Rotherham, the first of our tenants to open on Forge Island. The development is the single biggest investment in our town for decades, with our town centre masterplan being a testament to the Council’s dedication to investing in Rotherham’s future. “We are well on track to officially opening Forge Island to visitors in 2024 and to delivering a fantastic town centre development which will not only benefit the economy but which will provide a fantastic leisure destination in the heart of the town. We thank the community for supporting us as we see this development come to fruition and as we continue to move forward with our plans to provide the kind of town centre that people can be proud of once again.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hilton has announced the signing of Hampton by Hilton London Heathrow Bath Road, marking the brand’s debut at Europe’s busiest airport, as part of a franchise agreement with Acre Hotels Ltd, part of the Westcombe Group. Conveniently located near the M4 motorway, the hotel will be a short 7-minute drive from Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 and 3, with easy access to Central London in 30 minutes via the Elizabeth Line. The 157-room hotel will offer onsite parking and Hampton by Hilton’s signature amenities including flexible communal spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast, and a retail market for on-the-go food, drink and essentials. Each room will benefit from the brand’s refreshed interior design with warm colour palettes, a work desk, and a 55” HDTV, ensuring a welcoming and functional atmosphere for all guests. Graham Dodd, managing director, development, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “We are thrilled to announce Hampton by Hilton’s debut at London Heathrow, strategically located to serve travellers at Europe’s busiest airport. As we continue to expand our presence at this key global gateway, we are committed to providing dependable, friendly service and comfortable stays for all guests, whether they are preparing for a flight or unwinding after a long journey.” Hampton by Hilton London Heathrow Bath Road joins a growing portfolio of Hilton properties in the area, including the Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3, Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, and DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow Airport. 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. Kamal Pankhania CEO of the Westcombe Group commented: “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Hilton, building on our previous work with the business with another franchise agreement. Two of our Group Companies, Westcombe Construction Limited and Acre Hotels Limited, will manage the construction and subsequent operation of the hotel. We’re very much looking forward to delivering another top-quality hotel for an excellent brand, and adding to the significant number of hotels in Westcombe Group’s development portfolio.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to have handed over Heart of the City’s flagship hotel. Forming part of the wider Heart of the City scheme in Sheffield City Centre, the project involved the demolition of existing buildings along Pinstone Street, with the retention of a four-storey masonry Victorian façade. Behind the retained façade, a new steel-framed Radisson Blu Hotel was constructed. The hotel includes 154-bedrooms, flexible banqueting and meeting spaces, and an upmarket rooftop bar and terrace affording views over the Peace Gardens. Renowned for its unparalleled service and style, the arrival of Radisson Blu is seen as a key driver in helping attract new business opportunities. Raising the city’s profile as a major destination for business and leisure. Construction works also included the refurbishment of the existing Gaumont Building, with retention of the structural frame, to transform the former cinema and nightclub into a mixed-use leisure complex with retail units at ground level. The site is prominent within the centre of the city and located in the city centre conservation area. Facing principal city landmarks such as City Hall on Barker’s Pool, and the Town Hall and Peace Gardens on Pinstone Street. McLaughlin & Harvey Operations Director Gary Bell commented, “As the main contractor for this flagship project, we’re proud to hand it over to Sheffield City Council. This has been an interesting but challenging project, retaining the historic Victorian façade while completing the hotel and leisure facilities to a high-quality modern standard. Our approach involved careful pre-planning and regular reviews of the ongoing impact of our works to maintain a positive image of the site. This couldn’t of happened without the commitment and collaboration of our project team and supply chain partners.” Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, said, “We are delighted that our new Radisson Blu hotel is now open. Our significant investment and regeneration projects in the city centre are helping us attract some world-class brands and Radisson Blu undoubtedly raises the bar for hospitality in South Yorkshire. It will be a tremendous asset to Sheffield, featuring a public rooftop bar and restaurant, conference and event spaces to support our business community, and setting a new benchmark for accommodation that will help us attract visitors from far and wide.” Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, added, “Radisson Blu is recognised across the globe for its quality and style, and perfectly reflects the ambition and impact of Heart of the City. A lot of hard work has gone into making this hotel a reality and I’m incredibly proud of Sheffield Council, Queensberry and the whole project team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The BT Tower has been sold to MCR, which plans to transform the 620-foot structure into a luxury hotel. In a deal valued at £275 million, MCR Hotels has agreed to purchase the tower from the BT Group. They intend to collaborate with Heatherwick Studio to establish the Grade II listed building as “an iconic hotel, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.” The communications tower, inaugurated in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson, has served as a hub for the UK’s communication networks and a key global interchange point for live television. With the shift to cloud-based services, BT Group will now relocate to more “modern and efficient premises.” The top floor of the BT Tower was open to the public as a restaurant until 1971, but has since been used exclusively for BT’s corporate and charity events. The tower’s “infoband” screen, known for displaying adverts and messages, was notably utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic to convey public health messages. Simplifying BT Group’s Portfolio The sale of the BT Tower aligns with BT’s strategy to reduce the number of offices in its estate from over 300 to around 30, streamlining its property footprint. Brent Mathews, Property Director of BT Group, commented: “The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984. It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means. This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.” MCR anticipates that it will take several years for the BT Group to completely vacate the premises. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals