Refurbishment works have officially begun at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre, marking the start of a £16.9 million project to transform the 40-year-old venue into a modern cultural hub for the town. Appointed via the South West Wales framework, Morgan Sindall Construction is leading the restoration on behalf of Neath Port Talbot Council as part of wider plans to revitalise the town centre. The project is funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which invests in local infrastructure projects with a visible impact on communities and their economies. The theatre’s makeover is designed to improve accessibility, attract a wider range of performances, and create a more welcoming visitor experience. Completion is scheduled for autumn 2026. The refurbishment will see the building stripped back to its bare brick and remodelled for improved customer flow. Upgrades include: Behind the stage, changes will make the venue more versatile for performers. The theatre will be extended by up to three metres to allow performers to move between wings without stairs, while a lift will provide direct access for large props from the car park to the stage. Exterior works include creating a small amphitheatre in place of the site’s fountain, drawing inspiration from Ancient Greek venues to host summer events. Rain gardens and extra greenery will be introduced to improve biodiversity and manage stormwater, while selected paving will be replaced with sustainable landscaping. To respect the theatre’s heritage, Morgan Sindall will recycle and reuse original materials. The white oak stage will be replaced with a sturdier black-painted ply stage, with sections of the old stage repurposed as internal features. Original balcony timber and internal brickwork will also be retained where possible. Morgan Sindall has pledged to use a local supply chain within 40 miles of the site and provide opportunities for apprentices and students during the project. Public works will be phased to minimise disruption, with car parking and town access maintained throughout construction. Once complete, the revamped theatre is expected to boost Port Talbot’s cultural offering and strengthen the town centre as a focal point for visitors and residents alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sustainable refurbishment specialist, Better Green Living, has been appointed to design the new canalside development at the UK’s largest live indoor arena, Co-op Live in Manchester. The 2,000 sq ft multi-functional hospitality space will enhance the visitor experience, creating a vibrant social hub for concertgoers, event attendees, and the community. This major contract win marks a pivotal moment in Better Green Living’s expansion within the commercial sector. The company is leading all aspects of project management, contractor coordination, and on-site execution to ensure a smooth and efficient build. Its expertise in commercial and student accommodation retrofitting has established it as a trusted name for sustainable, design-led construction in high-footfall environments. The development is designed to accommodate up to 500 guests and will feature a bar, café, dedicated seating areas, a merchandise store, kitchens and innovative beer walls to streamline service. Breaking from traditional construction methods, the canalside development is a 100% new build using repurposed shipping containers, reflecting Better Green Living’s commitment to sustainability. Every material is carefully sourced for recyclability and environmental provenance, ensuring the structure can be repurposed at the end of its minimum 10-year operational lifespan. The modular, container-based structure provides flexibility in design, creating a dynamic and visually striking hospitality hub. The project will mimic the aesthetic of Co-op Live, featuring a mesh-clad façade and multi-level arrangement, blending seamlessly with the arena’s industrial-chic architecture. Designed as a pre- and post-show destination, as well as a year-round community hub, the development will offer an engaging mix of entertainment, hospitality and retail – ensuring visitors enjoy a world-class experience outside the main arena. Edward Parsons, Co- Founder and Managing Director at Better Green Living, said: “Our ethos focuses on creating innovative spaces that prioritise sustainability without compromising on experience. Designing a venue for Co-op Live is an exciting opportunity to showcase how environmentally conscious construction can go hand-in-hand with exceptional design. As the commercial sector embraces more sustainable ways to build, this project proves that creative solutions can successfully balance function, aesthetics and sustainability while shaping the future of temporary venue spaces.” Better Green Living, part of Better Green Group, is a specialist refurbishment company dedicated to sustainable retrofitting and commercial fit-outs. Known for delivering high-profile refurbishment projects for King’s College London, the company continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in environmentally conscious construction. To find out more, visit: www.better-greenliving.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sheffield City Council has appointed Willmott Dixon to deliver the £14.4 million transformation of Event Central, a major regeneration project that will turn a former retail building on Fargate into a state-of-the-art music venue and collaborative workspace. The scheme will see extensive structural alterations, including the creation of a new atrium linking the ground and first floors, significant strengthening works to handle revised load requirements, a redesigned façade, and a full interior fit-out for both the music venue and workspace areas. Construction is due to start by the end of August. Once complete, Event Central will feature a 200-capacity live performance space and café/bar on the ground floor, with four upper floors providing co-working facilities and meeting rooms. The venue will host a diverse programme of community events, exhibitions, workshops, and talks. Located in the heart of Fargate, the project is part of a wider strategy to revitalise Sheffield’s city centre, following the success of cultural spaces such as Cambridge Street Collective and Leah’s Yard. Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Our local team of regeneration experts bring a wealth of experience to Event Central and we’re delighted to play our part in the regeneration of Fargate, creating a space designed to empower this city’s boundless creativity. “We will ensure creating opportunities for the local community is at the heart of this project. Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners, is set to deliver 300 hours of employment support to residents, creating two new employment opportunities for local people who are not in education, employment or training. We will also support 75 weeks of apprenticeship training for young people and volunteer upwards of 150 hours in support of local organisations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wingstop has unveiled its fifth Leeds restaurant, opening at The Springs retail and leisure destination. The 3,014 sq ft venue offers the brand’s full menu of wings, tenders, burgers, and sides, alongside a range of drinks. The new branch joins Wingstop’s growing Leeds portfolio, which already includes locations at Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, White Rose Shopping Centre, Boar Lane, and dedicated kitchen delivery sites. This latest opening forms part of Wingstop’s ambitious UK expansion plan, with 20 additional locations scheduled to launch in 2025. Chris Sherriff, CEO at Wingstop UK, said the brand’s ongoing growth in Leeds reflects exceptional demand from customers. “We’ve seen phenomenal demand for Wingstop UK in Leeds, which is why we’re thrilled to be opening our fifth site in the city. Expanding into such a vibrant destination for food and drink, like The Springs, is a natural next step and cements our status as the number one flavour destination in Leeds. We’re grateful for the continued love and support from our local community, as we bring our menu to an even broader audience.” The Springs, already home to a range of well-known dining and retail brands, has welcomed the addition as a boost to its offering. Gemma Chidgey, estates manager at The Springs, commented: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Wingstop to the scheme this week and very proud to be the latest opening in Leeds. The new restaurant will add to our already strong line-up of food and drink brands at The Springs, and we know it will prove popular with our customers and occupiers alike.” With its bold flavours, casual dining atmosphere, and ever-expanding footprint, Wingstop continues to strengthen its presence across the UK, with Leeds proving to be one of its most enthusiastic markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Manchester city centre’s fitness scene is set for a major boost as gym operator XtraFit prepares to open a 37,000 sq ft facility at Manchester Arndale. The brand has agreed a 20-year lease for a prominent Market Street unit, offering an extensive range of training options and wellness services. Members will have access to activities such as Hyrox training, run clubs, and group fitness classes, as well as a full suite of gym equipment. The new location will also feature massage and tanning services, enhancing the overall customer experience. Already established in Liverpool and Dudley, XtraFit’s arrival will further strengthen Manchester Arndale’s leisure line-up, joining existing attractions such as King Pins and Urban Playground. Scott Linard, portfolio director for M&G Real Estate, said: “A strong leisure mix has become the backbone of successful retail destinations, so we are delighted to introduce XF Gym to Manchester Arndale. With a bustling city centre population, XF Gym is perfectly placed to meet Mancunian fitness needs. “The continued evolution of Manchester Arndale has made it one of the North West’s most visited destinations, thanks to our best-in-class retail, food and beverage, and leisure offering. This consistent footfall makes us the first choice for brands looking to establish themselves in Manchester.” Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners continue to act as the retained letting agents for Manchester Arndale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Huddersfield has welcomed its first Chopstix restaurant as the popular Asian quick-service brand continues its rapid UK expansion. Opening this month on King Street, the new outlet is part of Chopstix’s strategy to grow in high-footfall areas, including busy high streets and major transport hubs. The Huddersfield launch follows several recent openings across the country, including Brighton, Leeds and Wolverhampton. Sam Elia, co-founder and director at Chopstix, said: “We’re excited to be opening in Huddersfield and bringing our unique brand proposition to another great UK high street. This year we’ve seen strong momentum across the business, which is a testament to the strength of the Chopstix brand and our focus on quality, speed and customer experience.” The company’s growth has accelerated following investment from quick-service restaurant group QSRP earlier in 2024. With new locations continuing to open at pace, Chopstix is aiming to become the largest Asian quick-service restaurant brand in Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has broken ground at its Sackville Place development in central Dublin, with Stewart Construction appointed to deliver the 138 bedroom site.  Located off O’Connell Street in the heart of the Irish capital, the high-density hotel marks Stewart Construction’s first contract from Firethorn.  With a high-quality specification, designed to enhance the city’s provision of affordable accommodation, Sackville Place is Firethorn’s first tourism asset, and its first development outside of the UK. The seven-storey site will feature a mix of double, triple and quadruple bunk dormitory rooms, alongside private double rooms. Modern communal social spaces across the ground floor and basement will be open to the public as well as guests, including a bar, café and lounge.   Paul Martin, Director and Head of Development at Firethorn, said:   “Breaking ground at Sackville Place is a significant milestone for Firethorn, marking the first asset of this kind within our Living portfolio, and our debut development outside of the UK. This project represents our ambition, as we continue to acquire and develop high-quality sites in prime locations for investment.  “As the latest addition to Dublin’s thriving hospitality landscape, Sackville Place will offer guests modern and affordable amenities, while contributing to the local neighbourhood with vibrant facilities for the public to enjoy. Stewart Construction has a proven track record in delivering best-in-class hospitality assets on time and in budget, and with work now underway, we look forward to working together to bring Sackville Place to swift completion.”  Paul Stewart, Managing Director, Stewart Construction said:  “Stewart Construction is delighted to be entrusted with the delivery of Sackville Place for Firethorn. A market-leading developer in UK real estate, Sackville Place represents Firethorn’s first acquisition outside of the UK and we would like to take this opportunity to welcome them to Ireland.  “Our mission is to work with clients who are like minded and we look forward to collaborating with Firethorn on this development. Our team is amongst the best at what we do; by understanding the needs of the hospitality sector, we can ensure quality, value and cost certainty.”  Firethorn acquired Sackville Place in partnership with real estate investment managers, SW3 Capital, who will retain operational management of the site upon completion through its new operating business, “The Gofer”.  Tom O’Mahony, Director and Co Founder of SW3 Capital said:  “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We’re thrilled to move into the next phase as we prepare to open and operate under our hospitality brand, The Gofer. Our goal is to redefine the guest experience in Dublin by combining exceptional facilities at Sackville Place with authentic, locally-rooted experiences. We’re excited to offer guests a true taste of Dublin – vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable”.   Sackville Place is the latest addition to Firethorn’s growing Living portfolio, which includes purpose-built student accommodation sites in London and Edinburgh, the boutique hotel Malmaison York, and the office-to-residential conversion of One Bessborough Gardens in central London.  Practical completion is due in March 2027.   For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Popeyes UK is continuing its ambitious expansion across the country, with Manchester Arndale confirmed as the latest destination for the fast-growing fried chicken brand. The popular chain has signed a lease for a 2,816 sq ft unit located within the centre’s bustling food court. It will join an already impressive line-up of quick-service restaurants and casual dining operators, further enhancing the Arndale’s appeal to shoppers and city-centre visitors. Having launched its first UK site in 2021, Popeyes has rapidly scaled its operations. With more than 80 sites now open nationwide, the brand has bold plans to open 45 additional restaurants during 2025. The new Manchester location is expected to attract considerable footfall, reflecting the city’s dynamic food scene and the brand’s growing popularity. The arrival of Popeyes adds to an increasingly diverse food and beverage offering at Manchester Arndale. Recent newcomers to the centre include Sides, a street food concept from YouTube collective The Sidemen, and international juice bar brand Joe & The Juice. These openings sit alongside recent retail additions such as Alo Yoga, Arc’teryx, Sephora, and PureSeoul – evidence of the centre’s broader transformation into a well-rounded lifestyle destination. Scott Linard, portfolio director at M&G Real Estate, commented on the signing: “We are delighted to welcome Popeyes to Manchester Arndale. The brand is an ideal complement to our expanding food and beverage mix. Our goal is to create a dynamic environment that offers more than just shopping – combining fashion, food, and entertainment in one central location.” He added that Manchester Arndale continues to see strong footfall and remains a magnet for both domestic and international brands seeking high-visibility space in the North West. Letting agents for the scheme are Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners, who remain focused on attracting a balance of global names and emerging talent to maintain the vibrancy of the Arndale offering. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Enabling work kicks off for flagship 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn on The Strand Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has started construction enabling works on its flagship hub by Premier Inn hotel development at 5 Strand, a prime site just off Trafalgar Square in central London. The 693-bedroom hotel, which will be one of the largest budget hotels in London when it opens, is on a highly prominent and complex site metres from Charing Cross station and Nelson’s Column. Whitbread acquired the development site in August 2022 as part of its strategy to grow its presence in the popular London market. The £200m development, including land and construction costs, will comprise a 13-storey, 16,000 sq metre budget hotel, which is targeted to open in autumn 2028. John F Hunt Ltd. has been appointed for the construction enabling works which is now underway and expected to complete early next year. These works involve demolishing the remaining sections of the former office which once occupied the site, rebuilding to ground level, and constructing the hotel’s 14-storey core using slipform concrete construction. Whitbread is aiming to place the main construction contract this summer. Hester King, Project and Programme Manager for Whitbread, said: “Breaking ground at 5 Strand is a major milestone for Whitbread and a defining moment in the evolution of our hub by Premier Inn brand, which began its journey a decade ago at St Martins Lane in Covent Garden. “This flagship development – just metres from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Station – demonstrates our ability to secure, design, and deliver high-quality hotels in London’s most complex and sought-after locations. It reflects the breadth of our in-house expertise and Whitbread’s long-term commitment to growing its affordable hotel brands in the capital where branded budget hotels are in short supply. “Personally, leading the construction of such a prominent project is a career highlight and I’m very proud to be part of a team delivering a standout addition to our London network when the 693-bedroom hotel opens in 2028.” Whitbread secured planning permission for the development from Westminster City Council in October 2024. On opening the company expects around 150 team will work at the hotel, with recruitment focused within the City of Westminster and adjacent inner London boroughs. In line with the company’s sustainability programme, Force for Good, the hub by Premier Inn at 5 Strand is being designed to run solely on electricity generated from renewable sources. Whitbread is targeting to reduce the carbon emissions from its direct operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) to zero by 2040. hub by Premier Inn hotels offer compact hotel bedrooms – approximately half the size of a ‘standard’ Premier Inn room – with a contemporary design style, a focus on technology and a relaxed ‘Lounge’ style food and beverage offering. Whitbread currently operates nine Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels in the borough of Westminster and the company is a long-standing signatory of Westminster City Council’s Sustainable City Charter initiative. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals