TGI Fridays is set to close 35 of its UK branches following a recent rescue deal, despite efforts to save the struggling restaurant chain. The closures come after Hostmore, the former owner of TGI Fridays UK, fell into administration last month. The rescue deal sees Breal Capital and Calveton UK,
Whitbread PLC has received planning approval from Westminster City Council to build a new hotel at 5 Strand in central London. The hotel, featuring 693 rooms, will be one of the largest budget accommodations in the city when completed. It will operate under the hub by Premier Inn brand, occupying
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel operator and owner of Premier Inn, has secured planning permission to develop a 693-bedroom hotel at 5 Strand, just metres away from Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column. The new development, approved by Westminster City Council, will be one of London’s largest budget hotels and
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has secured approval for its ambitious £200 million expansion, marking a major development in the history of the Wimbledon Championships. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has given the go-ahead for the project, which will see the construction of 39 new tennis courts and
Yotel has announced plans to open its first hotel in Belfast as part of its ongoing European expansion strategy. The £17 million investment will see a 165-bedroom hotel developed in the heart of the city, at Shaftesbury Square, with an expected opening date in 2026, pending planning approval and timely
The Portman Estate and Derwent London have unveiled exciting plans for Loxton Walk, a vibrant new retail and leisure destination in the heart of Marylebone. Set to launch in 2025, Loxton Walk will introduce 28,500 sq ft of cutting-edge retail and leisure space, spread across 17 units that will be
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
Planning approval has been secured for a new boutique Dakota Hotel at MIX MANCHESTER, adjacent to Manchester Airport. The 154-bedroom hotel is expected to inject approximately £12million per annum to the local economy, with 150 jobs for local people. It has an estimated £60m development value with a gross internal
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,
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
TGI Fridays is set to close 35 of its UK branches following a recent rescue deal, despite efforts to save the struggling restaurant chain. The closures come after Hostmore, the former owner of TGI Fridays UK, fell into administration last month. The rescue deal sees Breal Capital and Calveton UK, owners of the D&D London restaurant group, acquiring TGI Fridays UK. While 51 branches will remain open, administrators Teneo have confirmed that 35 restaurants will be shut down immediately as part of the restructuring plan. However, TGI Fridays UK remains hopeful that negotiations with landlords may save some of the closed locations. Julie McEwan, Chief Executive of TGI Fridays UK, expressed optimism for the brand’s future. “TGI Fridays is a much-loved brand with a rich heritage. Today marks the beginning of a positive future for our business, following what has been a very challenging time for the entire casual dining sector,” she said. McEwan also acknowledged the unfortunate impact on the chain’s employees. “We are devastated for our colleagues who will be leaving, and we thank them for their loyalty and contribution. We are doing everything we can to retain as many of our team as possible and to support those affected.” Hostmore’s collapse followed a sharp decline in its share price, which plummeted by over 90% after the company announced it expected to be “wound up” and de-listed following the completion of the restaurant sale. Hostmore had previously agreed to a £177 million deal to acquire its US-based parent company in April. However, the acquisition fell through when the American group lost control of TGIF Funding, the entity holding the franchise agreement royalties. Despite the difficult period, TGI Fridays UK remains confident in its ability to weather the storm, with plans to revitalise the brand and attract both loyal customers and new guests in the months ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread PLC has received planning approval from Westminster City Council to build a new hotel at 5 Strand in central London. The hotel, featuring 693 rooms, will be one of the largest budget accommodations in the city when completed. It will operate under the hub by Premier Inn brand, occupying a prime location just off Trafalgar Square, steps away from Nelson’s Column. Whitbread acquired the development site freehold as part of its strategy to expand its presence in the popular London market where a significant proportion of Premier Inn’s future UK rooms pipeline is located. The over £200m investment, which includes construction and related costs, underlines the company’s commitment to the hub by Premier Inn brand which is designed to bring Premier Inn’s affordable hotel bedrooms into the heart of London and other major UK cities. Mark Anderson, Managing Director for Property and International for Whitbread, said: “hub by Premier Inn was launched a decade ago in St. Martin’s Lane, a few hundred metres from 5 Strand. The brand has blossomed into a network of 18 popular hub hotels in Central London and Edinburgh and has become a proven model for bringing our affordable bedrooms into the most central, vibrant, and connected locations for our guests. “5 Strand is an excellent example of how we think the hub by Premier Inn brand can evolve in Central London. It also shows how we can use Whitbread’s strong balance sheet to acquire the best positioned, most accessible, and high-demand locations in the capital to grow our brands. With planning permission now secured we will move quickly to begin construction of the new hotel and deliver a true flagship location for our guests.” Whitbread has been investing heavily in London as it seeks to redress an under-supply of branded budget hotel bedrooms in the capital. The company currently offers its customers more than 100+ locations within the M25 with a further 12 locations in its secured development pipeline in the capital. It is also seeking new sites in 40 locations in inner and outer London for its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands. The consented 16,000 sq metre hotel at 5 Strand will be set over thirteen storeys with a generous ground-floor space fronting onto the Strand and Northumberland Street to the east of the site. Whitbread expects around 150 team will work at the hotel on opening, with recruitment focused within the City of Westminster and other inner London boroughs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel operator and owner of Premier Inn, has secured planning permission to develop a 693-bedroom hotel at 5 Strand, just metres away from Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column. The new development, approved by Westminster City Council, will be one of London’s largest budget hotels and will operate under Whitbread’s hub by Premier Inn brand. This prime site acquisition is part of Whitbread’s strategy to expand its footprint in London, where a large portion of its future hotel room pipeline is focused. The £200 million-plus investment, which covers construction and related costs, highlights Whitbread’s commitment to bringing affordable accommodation into the heart of the capital and other major UK cities. Mark Anderson, Whitbread’s Managing Director for Property and International, commented: “The hub by Premier Inn brand was launched 10 years ago in St. Martin’s Lane, not far from this new site. Since then, it’s grown into a network of 18 popular hotels across Central London and Edinburgh. The development at 5 Strand showcases how we can evolve the brand in London’s core and leverage our strong balance sheet to secure high-demand, accessible locations. With planning approved, we’re eager to start construction and create a flagship location for our guests.” Whitbread has been making significant investments in London to address the shortage of branded budget hotel rooms. Currently, it operates over 100 hotels within the M25, with 12 more in its development pipeline. The company is also scouting for new sites in 40 locations across inner and outer London for both its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands. The new hotel at 5 Strand will cover 16,000 square metres over 13 storeys and will feature a spacious ground-floor area on the Strand and Northumberland Street. Around 150 team members will be employed at the hotel, with recruitment prioritised in the City of Westminster and surrounding boroughs. The hub by Premier Inn hotels offer compact rooms – around half the size of a standard Premier Inn room – with a modern design, tech-focused amenities, and a relaxed lounge-style food and beverage area. In line with Whitbread’s commitment to achieving net-zero direct emissions by 2040, the 5 Strand hotel will be powered entirely by renewable electricity. This exciting new development is set to provide affordable, centrally located accommodation for visitors to London, further strengthening Whitbread’s presence in the capital’s competitive hotel market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has secured approval for its ambitious £200 million expansion, marking a major development in the history of the Wimbledon Championships. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has given the go-ahead for the project, which will see the construction of 39 new tennis courts and a state-of-the-art 8,000-seat show court on the former site of Wimbledon Park Golf Club. The decision, signed off by Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, highlights the project’s potential to enhance local infrastructure and boost the economy. The expansion will nearly triple the size of Wimbledon’s existing grounds, offering much-needed space for the world-famous tournament to grow. One of the key components of the plan is the addition of a new venue for Wimbledon’s qualifying matches, which are currently held off-site in Roehampton. The new courts will allow up to 10,000 spectators to attend the qualifying rounds, centralising the event and elevating the overall spectator experience. A standout feature of the development is the creation of a 23-acre public park, designed to echo historical landscape aesthetics. This new green space will be open year-round, except during the Championships, and will include a boardwalk and enhanced waterways, providing the local community with a much-needed recreational area. However, the expansion has stirred significant controversy. Campaign groups, including Save Wimbledon Park, have raised concerns about the impact on protected land, arguing that the development risks turning the area into a “huge industrial tennis complex”. Local politicians and residents have also voiced opposition, urging the AELTC to explore alternative solutions that preserve more of the open space. Despite the pushback, the GLA believes the benefits outweigh the concerns, with promises of economic growth, improved facilities, and enhanced public amenities. The AELTC is now moving forward with the next phase of planning and construction, although potential legal challenges from opponents may cause delays. As construction progresses, the iconic Wimbledon Championships look set to expand, securing its future as a premier global sporting event while also promising new public benefits for the local community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yotel has announced plans to open its first hotel in Belfast as part of its ongoing European expansion strategy. The £17 million investment will see a 165-bedroom hotel developed in the heart of the city, at Shaftesbury Square, with an expected opening date in 2026, pending planning approval and timely construction. The hotel will feature a variety of amenities, including a food and beverage (F&B) offering, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and versatile public spaces, aimed at providing a modern and innovative experience for both business and leisure travellers. Rohan Thakkar, Chief Development Officer at Yotel, expressed excitement about the project: “We are delighted to bring Yotel to Belfast, a city that shares our unwavering passion for innovation and creativity. Yotel Belfast represents a significant milestone in our global franchise strategy, marking our 35th signed hotel and increasing our total key count to nearly 8,000. We’re thrilled to partner with Andras Hotels, one of the region’s leading operators.” Rajesh Rana, Director of Andras Hotels, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the project’s impact on the local economy: “We’re excited to bring this development to a landmark site in Belfast. The £17 million investment will offer modern accommodation for global visitors while creating high-quality jobs in the community. This project will not only be a major asset to the city’s growing tourism sector but also contribute to the regeneration of Shaftesbury Square. Our architects have designed a building that is both contemporary and respectful of its local surroundings. We’re now in the planning phase and look forward to consulting with the community ahead of development starting in 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Portman Estate and Derwent London have unveiled exciting plans for Loxton Walk, a vibrant new retail and leisure destination in the heart of Marylebone. Set to launch in 2025, Loxton Walk will introduce 28,500 sq ft of cutting-edge retail and leisure space, spread across 17 units that will be easily accessed from George Street, Blandford Street, Gloucester Street, and the iconic Baker Street. At the heart of the development will be a bustling central courtyard, designed to become a lively social hub for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The space will range from kiosk units to flagship restaurant spaces, with unit sizes spanning from 300 sq ft to 5,800 sq ft, offering flexibility for businesses looking to create anchor stores or boutique offerings. Outdoor seating areas and enhanced public spaces will further enrich the visitor experience. Loxton Walk will seamlessly complement The Portman Estate’s ongoing transformation of Marylebone, joining other landmarks such as Chiltern Street and Marble Arch. The area recently welcomed the opening of Moco London, the largest European outpost of the internationally renowned Moco Museum, further cementing Marylebone’s position as a key cultural and commercial hotspot. The development is part of a larger mixed-use scheme by The Portman Estate and Derwent London, which also includes 206,000 sq ft of modern office space on Baker Street and an additional 12,000 sq ft of workspace at 30 Gloucester Place. Tom Knight, Portfolio Director at The Portman Estate, commented: “Loxton Walk reflects our commitment to creating a thriving, commercially successful neighbourhood in central London. This exciting new retail and leisure offering, developed in partnership with Derwent London, will provide a valuable new public space and enhance the amenities available to those who live, work, and visit Marylebone.” Philippa Abendanon, Head of Leasing at Derwent London, added: “Loxton Walk is a perfect example of how we integrate design, connectivity, and high-quality amenities in prime locations. This vibrant new destination will offer exceptional spaces for people to enjoy and explore, embodying our shared vision with The Portman Estate for creating standout places in one of the world’s greatest cities.” Savills has been appointed to market Loxton Walk, which is set to become one of London’s most exciting new retail and leisure hubs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
Planning approval has been secured for a new boutique Dakota Hotel at MIX MANCHESTER, adjacent to Manchester Airport. The 154-bedroom hotel is expected to inject approximately £12million per annum to the local economy, with 150 jobs for local people. It has an estimated £60m development value with a gross internal area of 7,835sqm. The hotel will be the second in Manchester for Dakota Hotels, complementing its city centre hotel on Ducie Street, and will be located off Enterprise Way on a three-acre plot at MIX MANCHESTER. Enabling and preparation works are already underway on site and contractor GMI Construction is lined to start construction works shortly. Andrew Ovenstone, Managing Director of Dakota Hotels Ltd, commented: “This is an exceptional location for the latest hotel in our northern portfolio. Not only is it strategically placed next to one of the busiest airports in the world, but it will be central to the development coming forward across the MIX MANCHESTER site. We’re very pleased to have secured planning and look forward to bringing the Dakota Hotels experience to the local community, business travellers and employees and visitors to MIX MANCHESTER.” The JV partnership behind MIX MANCHESTER comprises Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Speaking on behalf of the JV partnership Gareth Jackson, Group Property Director for Manchester Airports Group, said: “Dakota securing planning for their new hotel is another great milestone for us at MIX MANCHESTER. It’s a superb brand, one which closely aligns with our ambitions and vision for the forward-thinking companies that we’re aiming to attract to MIX MANCHESTER. It will provide an exceptional standard of accommodation and high-quality service for both employees and for some of the 28million passenger wo travel through the airport each year.” The MIX MANCHESTER Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) is currently out for public consultation and will see the creation of the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation, and manufacturing campus. Designed by KPP Architects, the new Dakota Hotel will also include a premium bar and brasserie-style Grill on the ground floor and will provide 130 car parking spaces and a dedicated shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. The new Dakota Hotel will join other new amenities at MIX MANCHESTER, including additional hotel and leisure facilities and extensive public realm, all of which is designed to complement the development’s wider masterplan which comprises 2 million sq ft of high-quality science, innovation, and advanced manufacturing space. The site is ‘shovel-ready’, with £30 million of joint venture capital already invested in highways and utilities infrastructure, including a new pedestrian bridge linking to the main airport site. Driven by occupier demand, a wide range of buildings will be available, including advanced manufacturing, research and development, laboratory and office spaces with the creation of up to 8,000 jobs. Asteer Planning advised Dakota Hotels. 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
