The BT Tower has been sold to MCR, which plans to transform the 620-foot structure into a luxury hotel. In a deal valued at £275 million, MCR Hotels has agreed to purchase the tower from the BT Group. They intend to collaborate with Heatherwick Studio to establish the Grade II
Award-winning construction company Beard has started work on a cutting-edge habitat environment for Bristol Zoological Society. The project, worth £9.2 million to Beard, will see the company’s Bristol office build the new Central African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project – bringing together Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas and Endangered
As politicians pledge action on net zero, a new report says hotels could use strategic energy efficiency upgrades to dramatically cut their carbon intensity by 75%. The report, “[Revive & Thrive: Decarbonising Hotels for a Sustainable Future]”, published by Currie & Brown – a world-leading provider of project management, cost
Construction work has started on an impressive new 157-bedroom hotel in the Haymarket area of Edinburgh after property development company, S Harrison, appointed Ogilvie Construction as the principal contractor on the project. The development will see a 1970s office building, which is currently known as Osborne House, transformed into a
Beard Construction has commenced restoration work on the historic Hilsea Lido for Portsmouth City Council. The contractor was appointed to the multi million pound project, through Pagabo frameworks procurement process, shortly after opening its new Southampton office. The scheme is expected to be complete by spring 2025, with the lido
RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to
Contractor Clegg Construction has completed, on behalf of CBRE Investment Management, a new Premier Inn hotel in York. The highly sustainable, four-storey development has been built in the shadow of York’s ancient city walls. It brings 188 new bedrooms to the historic city centre, on a corner plot fronting Foss Islands
Planning permission has been granted by the City of London to Mactaggart Family & Partners for The Resident Farringdon. The 128-room hotel, which is due to open in 2027, will be the fifth London site for the brand, taking it to a total portfolio of seven properties across the UK.
Hilton has today announced the opening of Elmbank York, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Signed as part of a franchise agreement with Cairn Hotel Group, the 62-room hotel overlooks the picturesque Knavesmire Strays. It features Leetham’s Brasserie, a restaurant serving seasonal British cuisine, Peacock Bar,
A former school site in Leeds is set to be transformed into a community sports hub. Proposals for the new development – on land in Holbeck once occupied by Matthew Murray High School – have been given the go-ahead. Work is now expected to start next year on the council-led
The BT Tower has been sold to MCR, which plans to transform the 620-foot structure into a luxury hotel. In a deal valued at £275 million, MCR Hotels has agreed to purchase the tower from the BT Group. They intend to collaborate with Heatherwick Studio to establish the Grade II listed building as “an iconic hotel, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.” The communications tower, inaugurated in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson, has served as a hub for the UK’s communication networks and a key global interchange point for live television. With the shift to cloud-based services, BT Group will now relocate to more “modern and efficient premises.” The top floor of the BT Tower was open to the public as a restaurant until 1971, but has since been used exclusively for BT’s corporate and charity events. The tower’s “infoband” screen, known for displaying adverts and messages, was notably utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic to convey public health messages. Simplifying BT Group’s Portfolio The sale of the BT Tower aligns with BT’s strategy to reduce the number of offices in its estate from over 300 to around 30, streamlining its property footprint. Brent Mathews, Property Director of BT Group, commented: “The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984. It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means. This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.” MCR anticipates that it will take several years for the BT Group to completely vacate the premises. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning construction company Beard has started work on a cutting-edge habitat environment for Bristol Zoological Society. The project, worth £9.2 million to Beard, will see the company’s Bristol office build the new Central African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project – bringing together Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas and Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys for the first time in a UK zoo. Works will include the construction of the new gorilla house, along with a crocodile house and parrot aviary. Alongside their living quarters, Beard will be building extensive outdoor spaces for the gorillas which will be surrounded by a moat. An integrated viewing area and learning space will also be built, enabling visitors and school groups to get up close with the animals. Beard has worked closely with specialist contractors and BZS throughout the design process to ensure the habitat meets the exacting requirements of each threatened species. This includes water treatment, heating, atmospheric conditions and the necessary plants required for the Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles. Meanwhile, Beard will complete extensive landscaping and use sympathetic and non-toxic plants and materials to replicate the dense forest and landscape of Equatorial Guinea. The gorillas will have more than four-times the space in their new home among the vast woodland of the zoo’s 136-acre site. Alongside technical challenges, the remote location of the site, along with sensitive root and tree protection orders, means Beard will have the logistical challenge of access and managing deliveries. However, Beard has completed extensive planning, working with the zoo and all stakeholders to minimise disruption in live environments and ensure visitors, staff and animals remain safe – particularly to allow for the installation of services. Bristol Zoo Project will remain open throughout the scheduled works, with construction due to be completed in spring 2025. The development is the first stage in the Society’s plan to create a new, modern conservation zoo, where up to 90% of species are both threatened and part of targeted conservation programmes. Matt Cooper, Beard’s Bristol director, said: “It is a real privilege for Beard to be chosen to design and build this unique habitat which will deliver a conservation first in a UK zoo. It is an opportunity for us to showcase more than 130 years of experience in delivering complex and cutting edge spaces. “We are working closely with Bristol Zoological Society, specialist contractors and all stakeholders to ensure this exciting vision and conservation project is fully realised. The Society shares our ethos of building with ambition and we look forward to working with them and all parties throughout this one-of-a-kind project.” Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for us and a significant milestone in our vision to create a modern conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project. Central African Forest will see us create a new environment that will not only give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats, it will also help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species are facing around the world. “Currently, 78% of the animals we care for are both threatened, and part of targeted conservation programmes. Our aim is for this to rise to 90% of species by 2035. “We have ambitious plans for the future, and this is just the beginning. Following the completion of CAF, we will also be creating a new Central African Savannah habitat, new visitor facilities and a Conservation Campus for students studying to become conservationists. This work will be delivered in phases over the next few years. We hope our visitors, partners and supporters will join us on this journey.” Brian Zimmerman, Director of Conservation and Science at Bristol Zoological Society, said: “All of the mammals, birds, reptiles and fish that will live in Central African Forest are classified as threatened in the wild. The creation of this habitat not only presents a unique opportunity for us to bring these wonderful creatures together and expand our conservation work, it also enables us to participate in, and lead, managed breeding programmes, which will help to protect them in the future.” For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. To find out more about Bristol Zoo Project and the Bristol Zoological Society, please visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As politicians pledge action on net zero, a new report says hotels could use strategic energy efficiency upgrades to dramatically cut their carbon intensity by 75%. The report, “[Revive & Thrive: Decarbonising Hotels for a Sustainable Future]”, published by Currie & Brown – a world-leading provider of project management, cost management, and advisory services – outlines a clear path for hotels to significantly reduce their annual emissions per sqm from 70kg to just 20kg of CO² per m² per year. According to the report, these improvements could be delivered with a relatively modest investment of between £300 and £800 per sqm. To help organisations embed sustainability, be more cost efficient, and achieve their net zero ambitions, the report advises a four-stage strategy: “As the hospitality industry evolves, the focus must shift from merely adhering to traditional standards towards embedding sustainability in every facet of hotel operations and management,” comments Gillian Breen, senior director and head of commercial cost management at Currie & Brown. “This report not only guides hotel owners through effective strategies to increase profitability but also underscores the importance of immediate action in the face of global climate challenges.” The report calls for a collective industry effort to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets of 66% per room by 2030 and 90% by 2050. It also notes that by improving the environmental performance of their hotels, operators could see uplifts in revenue per room (RevPAR). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work has started on an impressive new 157-bedroom hotel in the Haymarket area of Edinburgh after property development company, S Harrison, appointed Ogilvie Construction as the principal contractor on the project. The development will see a 1970s office building, which is currently known as Osborne House, transformed into a new hotel, complete with a residents’ bar, restaurant and lounge area on the ground floor and an outdoor seating terrace. Following part demolition of the existing building, two new accommodation wings will be built to the rear, together with a new storey above the existing building. Late last year, S Harrison announced a deal with European hotel group MEININGER Hotels to operate the hotel, which is set to open in spring 2026. MEININGER Hotels, a key player in the hybrid hotel market, operates 36 hotels across 26 European cities. Each hotel features its own unique design, offering flexible and affordable modern accommodation. S Harrison acquired Osborne House in 2018 and worked with Edinburgh based architect, Comprehensive Design Architects on the transformational plans, incorporating impressive green credentials including the retention of the majority of the existing building structure. The building is located just west of Edinburgh city centre, a few minutes’ walk from Haymarket railway station and tram stop and easy walking distance from Princess Street. S Harrison will hold the completed investment, further strengthening the company’s property portfolio. Andrew Wharton, from S Harrison, said: “Appointing Ogilvie Construction to deliver another landmark project in Edinburgh and seeing work start is obviously a key milestone for this development and follows several years of diligent work to secure both planning permission and the right occupier for the scheme. We’re now looking forward to seeing our plans progress on site over the coming months.” Grier Edmead, operations director at Ogilvie Construction, said: “We are proud to be working with S Harrison on this project which has energy-efficiency and strong sustainability credentials at the heart of its design. Our team brings unrivalled specialist knowledge of the hotel and leisure sector, and we look forward to successfully delivering a first-class destination in the city, making both S Harrison’s and MEININGER Hotels’ vision for this building a reality.” S Harrison has made a substantial investment in Edinburgh in recent years and this latest hotel project follows the company delivering the landmark boutique hotel for Malmaison in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. The work saw the Grade A listed Buchan House, on the north-west corner of St Andrew Square, converted into a stylish 72-bedroom hotel complete with Malmaison’s renowned Chez Mal Bar and Brasserie. The developer is also currently working on two PBSA schemes consisting of 64 studio apartments on East Newington Place, off Newington Road, and 76 studios within the historic surroundings of Canongate, just behind the Royal Mile. In addition, the planning committee recently confirmed they are minded to grant planning consent for a major new £80 million mixed-use development in a prime waterfront location in Leith. The development, known as Ocean Point 2, will comprise of residential and PBSA, along with commercial, co-working and amenity space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard Construction has commenced restoration work on the historic Hilsea Lido for Portsmouth City Council. The contractor was appointed to the multi million pound project, through Pagabo frameworks procurement process, shortly after opening its new Southampton office. The scheme is expected to be complete by spring 2025, with the lido open to the public for the summer season in time for its 90th anniversary celebrations. The lido opened in 1935, hosting a demonstration by the Olympics British diving team a year later. Beard is starting the work with the removal of some of the fountain parts at the west end of the site as pipework under the fountain needs to be taken out. Portsmouth based stonemason Darren Somerville is creating an exact replica of the fountain which will be restored in pride of place in the middle of the site when the project is complete. Pat Hughes, Southampton Director, said: “Beard is hugely honoured to be chosen to complete this wonderful restoration project which will be the first to be run out of our new Southampton office. It is a fantastic way to mark the opening of the office and will allow us to showcase more than a century of skills and experience in delivering exceptional builds. This includes our work on outdoor public swimming venues in the UK. We look forward to working with Portsmouth City Council and all parties to deliver the exciting vision for this iconic attraction.” The spectator stand at the north of the site has been declared unsafe and will be demolished. Other work includes clearing away the old pool equipment which will be replaced with a modern filtration system. The pool will also be drained, ready for work to stabilise the base and restore the original lagoons that had been removed. Once the initial phase of the work is complete, Beard will move into the build stage where new pipework will be installed in deep trenches. This delicate part of the project will involve installing a new pool inside the existing pool, with a significant amount of dowels drilled in the base of the old pool beforehand, to prevent water leaking and the new pool lifting. Beard will also build new modular changing units. International construction and consultancy firm Mace is also driving the restoration through project and cost management services for the Portsmouth City Council through the SCF Consult Framework. Mace also lead the Design Guardian Team, ensuring all design aligns with the vision. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to undergo extensive refurbishment and structural alterations to the existing office into Cat A and B workspace. RED Construction’s London team will carry out the works, implementing new structural walkways, rooftop terraces, a new main entrance, reception area and new lifts. Designed by architects, Anomaly, Curtain House will be refurbished with a key focus on sustainable practices, aiming for BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Set to complete in Q3 2025, the project will see the RED team undertake considered external masonry and window restoration, a refurbishment of the existing timber floors, and repair of internal brickwork and steel columns. The works are set to complement the rich history associated with the building, whilst transforming the office facilities for the modern-day tenant. Dave Osborne, Group Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Our appointment to work on such a historic building in the capital is a testament to RED Construction London’s extensive track record with considered refurbishment. The team’s experience working with heritage-rich sites and implementing new-age sustainable practices make RED the ideal partner for Aviva Investors’ plans to preserve and progress Curtain House.” RED Construction Group’s partnership with Aviva Investors has developed throughout the project’s PCSA period, with the companies aligning on their values to give back to the community. Working with the Black Girls in Property Programme at The Land Collective, an organisation aiming to bridge the gap between ethnically diverse youth and the built environment industry, the Curtain House project team welcomed 20 girls for a site visit and talks from expert speakers. RED Construction Group’s active contribution aims to build a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry, emphasising the significance of social value and the importance of leaving a positive legacy. The news follows RED Construction Group’s completion of comprehensive refurbishment works at Hines’ £36.6m flagship mixed-use retail and office scheme at 80 New Bond Street, working alongside award-winning architecture firm Orms to transform the 37,414 sq ft space in the heart of London. RED Construction Group continues to be the contractor of choice for sustainable redevelopment and refurbishment projects, and delivering on historic inner-city London sites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Clegg Construction has completed, on behalf of CBRE Investment Management, a new Premier Inn hotel in York. The highly sustainable, four-storey development has been built in the shadow of York’s ancient city walls. It brings 188 new bedrooms to the historic city centre, on a corner plot fronting Foss Islands Road and Layerthorpe at a junction of the city’s inner ring road, and will create approximately 55 new jobs. Built for CBRE Investment Management and Whitbread PLC, the Premier Inn hotel features some of the latest energy-saving and carbon-reduction technologies, such as air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation systems, LED lighting, photovoltaic panels and electric car charging points, and has achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A. The building has been designed to achieve a carbon reduction of 44% compared with traditional construction methods – far surpassing City of York Council’s 28% carbon reduction requirements. Clegg Construction Managing Director Michael Sims said: “We are tremendously proud to have delivered such a sustainable Premier Inn hotel for CBRE Investment Management and Whitbread PLC. “The site is a historically sensitive city centre location in York and I am delighted with how the Clegg Construction team conducted themselves with minimal disruption to local businesses and residents. The scheme consistently achieved high Considerate Constructors Scheme scores in audits taken throughout the duration of the contract. “More than 80% of the workforce travelled 30 miles or less per day to reach the site – demonstrating our commitment to supporting the local community and to sustainability. “This marks the latest in a long line of hotels that we have delivered across the country, and the fourth Premier Inn scheme that we have been involved in. As a company, Clegg Construction is very happy to have now handed over this new development which I am sure will be an asset to York and its tourism and business communities, along with the local economy.” During the build, Clegg Construction worked with Community Wood Recycling who collected wood waste from the site. It is estimated that saved 20 tonnes of CO2. Some 44% of the waste wood was reused by the community for DIY, building or made into a range of products from bird boxes to dining tables, and the remainder was sent for recycling to be made into woodchip, animal bedding or as carbon neutral fuel in power stations. Other members of the construction team included project manager Reach Project Management, quantity surveyor Create.iF, architect The Harris Partnership, structural engineer Simpson Associates, and M&E consultant Thornley and Lumb. Fund Manager for UK Property PAIF at CBRE Investment Management, Jamie Philips, said: “We expect growth in the hotels and catering sector to outpace the wider economy during the next five years. “Tourism supports a significant number of jobs in York and given the strength of the city as a destination for tourists, combined with its current undersupply of hotel beds, the addition of a new modern and sustainable hotel will help to bolster York’s businesses and economy. This project sits firmly within the Fund’s strategy, providing a great opportunity to thoughtfully invest in and repurpose an existing asset, in order to create a long and sustainable cash flow for our investors.” The development marks the fourth Premier Inn scheme delivered by Clegg Construction and follows the construction of a Derby city centre hotel, the full conversion of a former office building in Headingley in Leeds into a 96-bedroom hotel, plus the complete re-cladding of the Leeds City Centre hotel (also known as the Leeds Arena hotel). Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a range of different sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning permission has been granted by the City of London to Mactaggart Family & Partners for The Resident Farringdon. The 128-room hotel, which is due to open in 2027, will be the fifth London site for the brand, taking it to a total portfolio of seven properties across the UK. The hotel has been designed by EPR Architects, with a focus on creating a highly sustainable building. Situated at 1-8 Long Lane, it will be at the heart of the Culture Mile, with easy access to the Barbican, Smithfield and Farringdon neighbourhoods. From 2026 the area will also be home to the London Museum, as part of the Smithfield General Market regeneration. William Laxton, CEO, Mactaggart Family & Partners, said: “We are thrilled with the consent for The Resident Farringdon and with the opportunity to contribute to this growing and thriving location. It is so important to us to be able to maximise this site’s potential with a modern, high-quality hotel, which is also as sustainable as possible and we are thrilled that the City of London planning committee has vindicated our approach to the scheme. “The Resident Farringdon will offer guests a home-from-home experience, from which they can explore this thriving neighbourhood, with bars, restaurants, galleries, museums and performance venues only steps away, all activated by some of the best infrastructure in Europe in the form of the Elizabeth Line at Farringdon East.” The Resident Farringdon will feature third party operated restaurant, cafe and retail spaces at ground level and a pocket garden for guests and the public to enjoy. In keeping with the rest of The Resident portfolio, the Brand purposely forgoes its own formal bar or restaurant, but has a library lounge. From here the knowledgeable team will encourage guests to enjoy the highlights and hidden gems that abound in the surrounding area. Adam Jones, director, EPR Architects, said: “Sustainability is at the core of the scheme and we and Mactaggart Family & Partners, advised by ARUP, have sought to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint through a series of thoughtful design solutions, including optimising the façade’s design to minimise energy consumption and solar gain, using a low embodied carbon ventilation system and improving on-site biodiversity.” Additional features of the build will include over 95% of demolition, excavation and construction waste being diverted from landfill. In addition to the pocket garden, enhanced greening at upper floor terrace levels will be introduced, along with a new green roof space helping to achieve a significant uplift in biodiversity. With vast experience that has involved defining some of the world’s leading hotels, EPR’s previous projects in London have included The Ned, The OWO and NoMad. David Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels Ltd as Operator of The Resident, said: “The Resident has established itself with guests as one of the best regarded hotel brands, particularly in London, the most global of cities. The Resident Farringdon opens up a prime destination within the ‘Culture Mile’ BID, where community, culinary and commercial innovation cohabit in abundance. The prospect of partnering with local, yet world-renowned Arts institutions, engaging with our culturally affluent guests, and leading local connectivity with our Resident Insiders teams is very exciting.” Resident Hotels is due to open its sixth location, in The Resident Edinburgh, in August under the leadership of GM Gillian Mylles. She is assembling a great team, ready to delight guests from the final weeks of the International Festival. Heartfelt hospitality fuels The Resident brand’s reputation with exceptional NPS scores, and review rankings. This ethos has ensured that this year saw The Resident Covent Garden confirmed by TripAdvisor Travelers’’Choice “Best of the Best” as the no. #1 Hotel in the UK 2024 and #15 in Europe 2024. Current The Resident Covent Garden is at #1, The Resident Soho is at #18 in London and The Resident Victoria is at #20, which means that we have three Top 20 hotels in the current Tripadvisor Traveler ranked places in London. The Resident Liverpool is consistently at #1 in that great cultural destination, host city to the exceptional Biennial. The brand has plans to add rooms of a total target of 1,500 to 2,000 rooms over the next five years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hilton has today announced the opening of Elmbank York, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Signed as part of a franchise agreement with Cairn Hotel Group, the 62-room hotel overlooks the picturesque Knavesmire Strays. It features Leetham’s Brasserie, a restaurant serving seasonal British cuisine, Peacock Bar, an opulent space featuring original fireplaces and jewel-adorned walls, and convenient onsite parking. The hotel joins a portfolio of over 120 Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotels, each with a unique and vibrant personality shaped by elevated design and locally inspired food and beverage, offering guests authentic experiences in diverse destinations. With a strong pipeline of more than 100 properties, the opening continues Tapestry’s expansion in high barrier-to-entry markets in Europe, where small boutique properties are looking for an engine to help them grow. Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton, said: “We are seeing growing demand for our lifestyle brands in the UK, as travellers increasingly seek out distinctive, locally inspired stays. The opening of Elmbank York, Tapestry Collection by Hilton underscores our commitment to providing truly unique, authentic experiences for guests, and we look forward to working closely with Cairn Hotel Group to bring this vision to life.” Located on The Mount, a charming residential area only a short walk away from York’s historic city centre and train station. The hotel offers convenient access to several world-famous attractions, including York Racecourse, National Trust properties such as Goddards Garden and Treasurer’s House, York Castle Museum, and The Shambles, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets. The city’s rich heritage extends to the hotel itself – a unique 19th-century mansion that was once home to the city’s elite and a venue for York’s most lavish parties. The Elmbank celebrates its Yorkshire roots through its thoughtfully designed and styled rooms, artwork, and signature details. Housed inside Elmbank’s main house is one of the UK’s finest Art Nouveau collections, featuring stunning stained glass, beautiful murals, and detailed stencils, carefully preserved to allow guests to immerse themselves in Art Nouveau history, whilst enjoying modern comforts and amenities. Aneil Handa, director, Cairn Group “We are thrilled to launch the first Tapestry Collection property in the North of England, continuing our longstanding relationship with Hilton. The Elmbank Hotel’s rich history and exceptional Art Nouveau collection offer a distinctive experience that aligns perfectly with the Tapestry brand, providing guests with a unique blend of local charm and high standards of service.” Guests of all Hilton properties can benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences. Hilton Honors members can also unlock access to instant rewards and benefits, such as contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A former school site in Leeds is set to be transformed into a community sports hub. Proposals for the new development – on land in Holbeck once occupied by Matthew Murray High School – have been given the go-ahead. Work is now expected to start next year on the council-led project, which will include three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas and a two-storey building with facilities such as changing rooms, a gym and a café. The building will also be home to a GP surgery and pharmacy, with these services contributing to the wide-ranging health and well-being benefits that the development as a whole will bring to local residents. Other elements of the scheme will include the creation of a children’s play area and improvements to a portion of existing green space at the site, which covers 6.3 hectares and sits off Brown Lane East and Ingram Road. Outdoor seating areas, footpaths and a segregated cycle route are also planned, along with a 267-space car park and dozens of bike storage bays. The scheme is one of three new sports hubs planned for Leeds as part of the national Parklife programme, which aims to deliver improved facilities for grassroots football using funding from the Football Association, the Premier League, Sport England, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport and the Football Foundation charity. This and other major sites (메이저사이트) will show investment by these groups. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
