Chester Race Company has appointed two architectural practices to collaborate on the next phase of development at Chester Racecourse. Kay Elliott and Lovelock Mitchell Architects have been jointly commissioned to prepare a strategic development plan and the first phase of two projects at key racecourse sites. At the first site, overlooking the Parade Ring, a new hospitality building is planned to replace the temporary marquees (known as the ‘tented village’) currently erected each summer for the racing season. The second site is at Saddlery Way, where plans are being prepared for a base for Chester Race Company’s catering and events division, Horseradish, and for the racecourse grounds maintenance division. The joint appointment acknowledges each practice’s strengths: Kay Elliott for their extensive track record in hospitality and leisure projects, and Lovelock Mitchell for their wide local knowledge and racecourse experience. These two proposals are the first phase of Chester Race Company’s Strategic Development Plan, outlining a long-term investment strategy. This plan will illustrate a proposed development programme through to 2039, when Chester, the world’s oldest operating racecourse, will celebrate its 500th anniversary. The Strategic Development Plan follows a Racecourse Masterplan, granted planning consent in 2019, whose aims and objectives have been re-assessed in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the subsequent challenging economic circumstances, and the latest trends in the leisure and hospitality industry. Chester Race Company will share its draft plans with neighbours and the wider community over the summer. Louise Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Chester Race Company, said: “Over its long history, the racecourse has adapted to meet the needs of the public, whilst also respecting the heritage of the site, so it’s exciting to embark on the next stage of its evolution to ensure it continues to be successful long into the future. “Our plan will replace some of the ageing buildings on site, which also gives us the opportunity to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment and improve the presentation of the site.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Greggs has announced its confidence in achieving between 140 and 160 store openings in 2024. The bakery chain recently celebrated the opening of its 2,500th store, with its estate now comprising 1,986 company-managed stores and 514 franchised units. This announcement comes as Greggs releases a trading update for the first 19 weeks of 2024, during which it opened 64 stores, including 15 in partnership with franchisees. Recent openings include locations at Embankment underground station, four shops within Tesco stores, and three stores within Sainsbury’s, including two at petrol filling stations. During this period, Greggs recorded a 7.4% increase in like-for-like sales. This growth was driven by delivery sales, evening trade, and increased participation in the Greggs app, all of which contributed to a rise in transaction volumes. Total sales for the 19 weeks to 11 May were £693 million, an £84 million increase from the same period in 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A £4 million scheme to revamp the main high street in Anfield, creating a greener and safer experience for residents and visitors, is to be the focus of a public consultation. Liverpool City Council is to launch the consultation next week (Wednesday, 22nd May) with a hat-trick of public events showcasing how the main road – and connecting streets – leading to Liverpool FC’s iconic stadium is to be upgraded. This project is the latest element in a £300m investment programme in the Anfield area, which first began in 2014. Over the past decade this has led to the creation of more than 600 new and 500 refurbished homes, a revitalised Stanley Park, new shops, environmental street works, improved community facilities and upgrades to the stadium itself. For the new High Street scheme, the Council is working in partnership with AECOM whose brief has been to design a visually more appealing and healthier public street scene with a priority to improve pedestrian movement and safety. The focus will be on highway and public realm upgrades along Walton Breck Road, Oakfield Road, Pulford Street, Back Rockfield Road and Gilman Street. As part of the initial design stage, the current proposals aim to improve walking routes, create wider footpaths, install new landscaping and public realm features, as well provide new trees and new underground bins. A key proposal is a suggested reduction in speed limit on Walton Breck Road from 30mph to 20mph, between the junctions of Blessington Road, and Kemp Avenue to improve safety for pedestrians. The highways element will also include new improved carriageways and crossings, as well as providing new on-street and resident parking bays with a focus on rationalising car parking, bus stops and taxi ranks. And there’s a proposal to close access to Back Rockfield Road from Pulford Street, including a safe area for vehicles to turn around. The outline designs will be on display at a trio of public drop-in events, at The Liverpool Lighthouse, Oakfield Road, L4 0U, on: The online consultation also goes live on 22 May and will be open for feedback until Friday, 14 June. Feedback will help shaped the outline designs and a report to the Council’s cabinet will be submitted in the Autumn with a view to appointing a contractor to begin delivering the scheme next Spring. Feedback from the public consultation about the future for Anfield Square, and a planned way forward will be publicised in the summer. REACTION Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said: “The redevelopment of Anfield stadium has understandably received global attention, but the works to improve the surrounding community are more important in many ways. “Creating a healthier, greener, safer and more visually appealing high street will have a major impact on the day-to-day quality of life of our residents in this community, who have already seen a lot of improvements over the past decade. “I hope everyone in the neighbourhood gets to visit our public consultation events and gives their feedback. Their views are vital to ensuring this scheme works and delivers long-lasting improvements to living in, working in and visiting Anfield.” Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “Enhancing the public spaces along Oakfield Road and Walton Breck Road is a vital aspect and a longstanding goal of the Anfield regeneration programme. “Importantly, these proposed improvements to the high street will connect various regeneration projects in the surrounding area. “This investment will also provide a boost to the existing businesses and those looking to invest and grow here, and there’s more improvements to come once plans for Anfield Square are formalised.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Greggs has achieved a significant milestone with the opening of its 2,500th store, located at a service station in Cobham, UK. This accomplishment is part of the retailer’s five-year strategy to expand its presence by opening over 3,000 new stores across the UK. The latest store launch, situated at a service station in Cobham and the eighth store with Sainsbury’s, brings Greggs closer to its ambitious growth plan announced in 2021. This plan aims to open between 140 and 160 new sites this year, with a focus on expanding into travel hubs and roadside locations. In addition to strengthening its presence on the high street, these new openings demonstrate Greggs’ expansion into non-traditional locations. The retailer’s mission remains clear – to be accessible wherever, whenever, and however its customers need it. Property director Tony Rowson expressed pride in reaching this milestone and highlighted the significance of the location in showcasing the breadth of Greggs’ estate and the popularity of its brand. Rowson also acknowledged the hard work of the teams and the support of valued partners in achieving this milestone. Rhian Bartlett, chief food commercial officer at Sainsbury’s, shared her delight in opening the eighth shop with Greggs at the Cobham store, following the success of previous launches. She emphasised the popularity of Greggs’ café-style formats among Sainsbury’s customers. Despite experiencing a slowdown in sales growth, Greggs saw its annual profits soar, with pre-tax profits increasing by 27% to £188.3m in the 52 weeks to 30 December. This growth reflects Greggs’ resilience and continued success in the food-to-go market, maintaining an “all-time high” market share. As Greggs continues its expansion journey, the brand remains committed to delivering quality products and exceptional service to its customers across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Popeyes UK, the beloved chicken brand originating from New Orleans, recently unveiled its newest delivery kitchen in Leeds on Monday this week. The launch marks an exciting milestone for chicken enthusiasts in the city, as they can now indulge in the famed Chicken Sandwich that has taken the internet by storm. Located on Wortley Moor Road, the new Popeyes® UK delivery kitchen is the brand’s latest addition, marking its fourth opening in 2024 and the 48th location since its UK inception in November 2021. Leeds residents can now savour a delectable array of New Orleans-style offerings, including the iconic Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich, renowned for its succulent 12-hour marinated chicken and accompanied by the original Southern biscuits and gravy. This expansion comes on the heels of Popeyes’ strategic plans to fortify its presence across the UK. Earlier this year, the US chicken chain announced its intention to open 30 new stores nationwide, nearly doubling its current footprint. The forthcoming locations, spanning various regions in Scotland, England, and Wales, underscore Popeyes’ commitment to catering to diverse communities and meeting growing consumer demand. Behind Popeyes UK’s ambitious growth trajectory is private equity firm TDR Capital, which recently acquired a controlling stake in the company. With a £50 million investment last year and increased shareholding, TDR Capital has positioned itself as a key player in driving Popeyes UK’s expansion efforts. Tom Mitchell, managing partner at TDR Capital, expressed confidence in the brand’s performance and growth potential, aligning with the firm’s broader strategic objectives in the sector. Popeyes UK’s success story extends beyond its financial backing, with innovative ventures like a UK-wide wedding catering service and the launch of its first drive-through restaurant in Rotherham. These initiatives, coupled with the brand’s signature menu offerings, have solidified its position as a leading player in the UK’s fast-food landscape. As Popeyes UK continues to make strides in its expansion journey, supported by TDR Capital’s backing and a dedicated team, the brand remains committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences and spreading the joy of authentic New Orleans flavours to communities nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

David Lloyd, a prominent name in the health and leisure industry, is set to embark on a significant expansion journey with a staggering investment of £500 million. This ambitious plan will witness the opening of 15 new clubs and 50 spa resorts across the United Kingdom over the coming years. This massive investment underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to promoting health, fitness, and wellness in communities nationwide. Glenn Earlam, Chair of David Lloyd, pointed out the company’s robust performance in the post-Covid era, attributing it to a growing emphasis on health and well-being following the pandemic. He observed a notable trend wherein individuals increasingly prioritise incorporating fitness into their daily routines, often integrating it seamlessly with their work lives. With the emergence of the “working from gym” (WFG) trend, David Lloyd clubs offer members not just a space to exercise but also a conducive environment for remote work, complete with separate workspaces equipped with productivity-enhancing amenities.The £500 million investment, backed by private equity owner TDR Capital, will not only finance the establishment of new clubs but also facilitate the construction of 60 new padel courts. This expansive initiative underscores David Lloyd’s commitment to providing its members with diverse and innovative fitness options while continually elevating their overall experience.David Lloyd Clubs places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility as part of its ethos as a responsible business. The company actively contributes to the well-being of its communities by supporting various charities and initiatives aimed at promoting physical and mental health.David Lloyd’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, which serve as guiding pillars for its business strategy. Through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and the support of charitable causes, David Lloyd demonstrates its steadfast commitment to making a positive impact on both the environment and society.In conclusion, David Lloyd’s monumental £500 million investment in expansion not only underscores its commitment to promoting health and fitness but also highlights its dedication to sustainability and community well-being. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional fitness experiences while fostering a sense of belonging among its members. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

An independent restaurant group with venues across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire has opened the doors to The Orange Tree in Congleton, with an eye-catching colour scheme made possible using Crown Trade. Parogon Group launched their tenth new restaurant on West Road in the former Cheshire Tavern, complete with a deep, rich colour palette in keeping with the period property, thanks to Crown Trade and Interior Designer’s IMD & Associates Ltd. Lisa Power and her team at IMD worked closely with the expert commercial colour studio team at Crown to transform the historic Grade 2 Listed Building in Congleton into a stunning contemporary venue, whilst maintaining its classic character. The colour scheme for the project breathes new life to the iconic space with Georgian glamour created by deep, rich blue and emerald green shades for the walls in the main rooms. Strong white was used for ceilings, doors and window reveals to contrast against the deeper tones and accentuate the original features. A blush tone in the leather and fabric furnishings is also used, and together with the timber parquet floors, bringing a beautiful balance of cool and warmer shades in the scheme. Set over two floors, the design for the 4500 sq ft space maximises its potential, creating a sophisticated, vibrant and unique setting for customers to relax and socialise. Due to the high traffic environment of the venue, Crown Trade Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt was specified. A stain resident paint that can withstand regular and rigorous cleaning whilst offering a high colour saturation, it was ideal to give the finish needed, with the confidence that it would stand the test of time. Kathryn Lloyd, Colour Consultant at Crown Paints said: “We worked closely with Lisa to create a striking colour palette that brought the restaurant to life, whilst maintaining the building’s fabulous character. “With thousands of paint colours in our portfolio – we could easily match the perfect shades that would embrace the venue’s Georgian charm – and they were all applied in our highly durable Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt to extend the maintenance cycle.” Lisa Power, from IMD & Associates said: “This was a really special project to work on. The Orange Tree oozes style and sophistication, so the colour scheme needed to perfectly compliment the iconic location. “It was key that we were able to find the perfect shades of blue and green to reflect the brand’s unique vision – working with the Crown Trade team allowed me to do this with ease thanks to the vast array of colour choice.” For more information visit https://www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Loungers, a prominent player in the UK hospitality industry, has witnessed remarkable growth, with the 2024 financial year marking a milestone in its expansion journey. Founded in 2002 by three friends with a vision to establish a neighbourhood café-bar they themselves would frequent, Loungers has evolved into a leading operator with a distinct presence across England and Wales. As of December 2023, the company boasts 247 establishments under its umbrella, spanning three unique brands: Lounge, Cosy Club, and Brightside.Embracing an organic growth strategy, Loungers has consistently outperformed the broader UK hospitality sector over the past three years. The company’s directors remain steadfast in their commitment to this strategy, focusing on the continual rollout of new sites under the Lounge, Cosy Club, and Brightside banners. With an emphasis on operational enhancements to drive sales and margin improvements, Loungers aims to maintain its upward trajectory in the market.During the 2024 financial year, Loungers achieved a significant milestone by opening 39 new sites, setting a record for the company. These additions included 33 Lounges, one Cosy Club, and two Brightside locations. As of 21st April 2024, the company’s portfolio expanded to encompass 257 sites, with an additional Lounge site opening in Ely, Cambridgeshire, after the reporting period.The company’s financial performance during the 2024 fiscal year also reflected its growth trajectory, with record revenue reaching £353.5 million, marking a robust year-on-year increase of 24.7%. Notably, like-for-like sales surged by 7.5% during this period, underscoring Loungers’ resilience and appeal in the competitive hospitality landscape. Nick Collins, CEO of Loungers, expressed his satisfaction with the company’s achievements, highlighting its consistent outperformance within the sector and the successful launch of 36 new sites. He attributed this success to Loungers’ unwavering commitment to menu innovation, value for money, and exceptional hospitality, which resonate with both existing patrons and new customers. Looking ahead, Loungers remains optimistic about its growth prospects, buoyed by a resilient UK economy and its well-positioned stance in the market. As the company embarks on the new financial year, it seeks to build upon its momentum, further solidifying its status as a key player in the UK hospitality sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals