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

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