Plans have been revealed to transform the former Co-operative Group headquarters in Manchester’s NOMA neighbourhood into a luxury hotel and restaurant. The Grade II-listed New Century House, a landmark of 1960s modernist architecture, is set to undergo a major conversion to include a 196-room hotel with a rooftop terrace bar and restaurant, along with conference and leisure facilities in the basement. Located in the heart of the city, the proposed hotel would offer prime access to Manchester’s key retail and business areas. Its central location is just a short walk from the AO Arena, which has a capacity of 23,000, as well as Victoria Station and Shudehill transport interchange, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Originally built for the Co-operative Insurance Society, the 14-storey New Century House later became the headquarters of the Co-operative Group. Now, this iconic building is set to join the dynamic NOMA neighbourhood, home to major businesses like Amazon, Adanola, and BNY Mellon, which recently relocated its 2,000-strong Manchester team to nearby 4 Angel Square. The proposed development will complement the neighbouring New Century Hall, a refurbished music venue and food hall, and the DBS Institute, which offers degree and postgraduate courses in music technology and games design. Dan Hyde, development director at MEPC, the asset manager for the NOMA estate, expressed excitement about the project, stating: “New Century House is a Manchester icon, and we believe the time is right to revitalise it as a hotel. This is the next natural step in the ongoing growth of our vibrant neighbourhood, and it will sit perfectly alongside BNY at 4 Angel Square and the popular New Century Hall.” Jeremy Collins of Jenics, the hotel and leisure consultancy leading the search for a hotel operator, highlighted Manchester’s international appeal, saying: “With its global connectivity, world-class universities, and rich cultural and sporting heritage, Manchester is a magnet for visitors from around the world. New Century House presents an outstanding opportunity to enhance the city’s hospitality landscape.” MEPC and Jenics are currently exploring options to either sell the property or lease it, ensuring flexibility for interested hotel operators. A formal proposal is expected to be submitted to Manchester City Council in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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