Cornish Bakery has started 2025 on a high, opening its first site of the year in Cirencester while preparing for six more locations set to launch soon. With this latest addition in the heart of the Cotswolds, the growing bakery chain now operates 66 sites across the UK. Plans are already in motion for further expansion, with six more properties currently in the legal process—locations to be revealed in due course. In addition to new openings, Cornish Bakery is rolling out a major refurbishment programme in five key tourist hotspots. Over the next three months, bakeries in Totnes, Swanage, Bude, Fowey, and Sidmouth will undergo upgrades, including expanded seating areas, just in time for the Easter rush. The expansion follows a record-breaking 2024, during which the company saw a 9.7% like-for-like sales increase at existing sites, a 26% rise in total sales, and six successful new openings. The year concluded with a highly successful launch in Milton Keynes in December—the company’s strongest opening to date. Cornish Bakery Managing Director Mat Finch said, “The second half of 2024 was a period of incredible growth, with new bakeries opening in Nottingham, Taunton, Winchester, Chelmsford, Milton Keynes, and Cirencester. Now, we’re pressing ahead with five major refurbishments while lining up six more locations. The response from customers has been fantastic, and with sales and team engagement at an all-time high, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for us.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Build and fit out contractor Cold Developments has completed the refurbishment of a Holden Kia dealership in Norwich. The dealership on Barker Street, north of the city, is now open to the public following a transformation to reflect Kia’s global rebrand. Its new brand identity was introduced in 2021, featuring a new logo that reflects its position as a leader in electrification. As part of its rebranding, Kia designed the ‘Kia Store’ to revolutionise the look and feel of its dealerships. Two distinct zones separate the new showroom, comprising a ‘customer zone’ featuring wood accents and comfortable seating areas, and a ‘display zone’, showcasing the latest Kia models. The Kia ‘Showcase’ is an interactive system which allows customers to take an in-depth virtual tour of any Kia model. Nottingham-based Cold Developments undertook the strip out and fit out of the dealership over a 10-week period. Works included the respray of external cladding and shop front, a new HVAC system and suspended ceiling, decoration throughout, new lighting and doors, new partitions and glazed curtain walling to form the sales office, new hygienic internal cladding, new customer toilets, and the installation of wall panelling, display screens and furniture. Luke Burrows, MD at Cold Developments, said: “We are specialists in commercial fit out and create spaces that truly impact the customer experience. With our skilled team we deliver our services for well recognised brands throughout the UK and enjoy seeing our finished projects being used by our clients and their customers. “Thank you to the Holden Kia team for working with us in Norwich. The dealership has been transformed to a welcoming, comfortable and innovative space which perfectly reflects Kia’s brand and its fleet.” Darren Anderson, GM at Holden Kia Norwich, said: “This transformation marks a new era for Holden Kia Norwich.  Our customers can now view our models in a state-of-the-art environment that is welcoming, comfortable and has the latest technology. Great to see the work of Cold Developments now in use by our customers.” Cold Developments is active on refurbishments, fit outs, enabling works and extensions across the UK and have worked with leading brands within automotive, service stations, town and shopping centre retail, convenience retail, food and beverage and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lidl’s ambitious expansion across the UK continues, with two major new supermarket developments underway in York and Somerset. The retailer is investing millions in its property portfolio, strengthening its presence in key locations to meet growing consumer demand. York Welcomes Third Lidl Store Construction is now in progress on a brand-new Lidl supermarket at Monks Cross in York, set to become the city’s third branch. Built on the former TK Maxx site next to Sainsbury’s, the store will feature a 1,516m² sales area, a bakery, the popular Middle of Lidl aisles, and modern customer facilities, including baby-changing amenities. Sustainability is a key focus for the project, with solar panels providing renewable energy and seven electric vehicle charging points installed in the car park. New trees will also be planted as part of the landscaping effort. Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Liam Schofield, said:“It’s fantastic to see construction underway at our newest York store. As well as creating dozens of jobs, this store will give residents even greater access to our high-quality, affordable products in an area where we’ve seen increasing demand.” With completion expected before the end of 2025, the store will bring 40 new jobs to the local community. New Lidl for Bridgwater’s Growing Community Meanwhile, in Somerset, Lidl is set to open another supermarket on the southern outskirts of Bridgwater. Located within the rapidly developing Bridgwater Gateway area near the M5, the store will provide a convenient shopping destination for hundreds of new homes and businesses planned for the site. Somerset Council has approved the plans, with construction expected to begin later this year. The development will include 105 parking spaces, cycle access, and a new pedestrian crossing over Wilstock Way. Lidl has committed £31,200 towards this crucial infrastructure, ensuring safer access for residents of the nearby Wilstock and Stockmoor housing estates. Dan Templeton, director of Planning Potential, speaking on behalf of Lidl, said:“This improved crossing point will help customers visiting the store from the Wilstock and Stockmoor area, making it easier for them to access local amenities.” This latest project follows Lidl’s recent investment in the expansion of the Strawberry Line active travel route alongside its new, larger store in Wells. Lidl’s Property Growth Strategy With these two new locations, Lidl is demonstrating its commitment to strategic growth across the UK. By investing in modern, accessible, and eco-friendly stores, the supermarket chain is not only creating new jobs but also enhancing local infrastructure and retail options for communities. As construction progresses in both York and Somerset, Lidl continues to cement its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket brands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Aldi is set to invest £67 million into upgrading its existing stores in 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the UK. The supermarket chain, which has already poured nearly £700 million into store improvements since 2017, plans to create more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go ranges. The revamp will also introduce simpler layouts, improved fixtures, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Shoppers can expect further in-store enhancements, including upgraded bakery sections, revamped health and beauty aisles, and improved CO2 refrigeration systems. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “Aldi’s £67 million investment is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering an even better shopping experience for our customers across Britain. “Building on the success of our previous upgrades, we’re enhancing store layouts as part of our dedication to providing customers with more sustainable stores, convenience, and an improved shopping experience nationwide.” This announcement follows Aldi’s recent pledge to invest £650 million in opening new stores across the UK in 2025. Locations set to benefit from new stores include Fulham Broadway in London, Billericay in Essex, and Cheadle in Stoke-on-Trent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Fashion powerhouse Urban Revivo is set to unveil its second UK flagship store at Westfield Stratford City, London. The brand will take up a spacious 30,000 sq ft, double-height unit on the first floor, joining a stellar line-up of fashion giants including Zara, UNIQLO, Mango, and H&M. Founded in 2006, Urban Revivo has rapidly expanded its global footprint, now boasting over 400 stores worldwide. This latest move follows the retailer’s recent lease of 8-12 Neal Street in Covent Garden, reinforcing its commitment to UK expansion. Sam Foyle, co-head of global retail at Savills, commented: “This is a pivotal moment for Urban Revivo as we drive forward the brand’s ambitious European growth strategy for 2025. Having already achieved outstanding success in the APAC region, we’re thrilled to see Urban Revivo shaping the future of fashion in the UK.” Constantin Wiesmann, Leasing Director UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), added: “Westfield Stratford City remains a premier destination for global brands looking to cement their flagship presence in the UK. The arrival of Urban Revivo aligns with our ongoing mission to attract emerging and sought-after brands, offering both retailers and shoppers an elevated experience.” Savills advised Urban Revivo on the deal, while URW was represented by Cushman & Wakefield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lidl is ramping up its UK expansion with nine new store openings within a month, marking a strong start to 2025. Most of the new locations will open their doors in February as the retailer continues to grow its presence nationwide. New stores are set to launch in Canning Town, Preston, Walsall, and Wombourne, while larger, upgraded stores will reopen in Blantyre, Cwmbran, Oldbrook, Wells, and West Ealing. These follow Lidl’s first store opening of the year in Northampton and a successful run of 10 new stores in the lead-up to Christmas. Richard Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Lidl GB, said: “As we step into the new year, we’re keeping up the momentum with nine brand-new, state-of-the-art stores, bringing an enhanced shopping experience to new communities and those we’ve proudly served for an average of 26 years. After a record-breaking Christmas, where millions of households turned to Lidl, these openings highlight the ever-growing demand for our unbeatable value and quality. And this is just the beginning – we have even more store openings planned for 2025 and look forward to welcoming both loyal and new customers in the months ahead.” Lidl’s expansion comes on the back of its most successful Christmas yet, with nearly two million more shoppers choosing the discounter compared to previous years. Festive season sales surged by 7% year-on-year, surpassing £1 billion for the first time. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading greeting card and gift retailer Cards Direct has announced ambitious expansion plans for 2025, aiming to open more than 20 new stores across the UK. Currently operating over 80 locations, the retailer is actively seeking prime and high-footfall secondary retail spaces, including shopping centres and high streets. Ideal units will range between 1,200 sq ft and 2,000 sq ft, with a minimum frontage of 18 ft. Following a successful year in 2024—when the company launched 21 new stores—Cards Direct already boasts a presence in major retail destinations such as The Centre in Milton Keynes, Queensgate in Peterborough, and Cabot Circus in Bristol. Target Locations for Expansion The retailer has identified key towns and cities for its next wave of openings, including: Barnsley, Bolton, Bournemouth, Bracknell, Bradford, Brighton, Bromley, Burnley, Bury, Camberley, Cardiff, Epsom, Huddersfield, Kingston, Lincoln, Liverpool, Maidstone, Norwich, Nottingham, Oldham, Oxford, Preston, Reading, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, Uxbridge, Warrington, Watford, Wood Green, Worcester. AS Retail has been appointed to spearhead the search for suitable units as Cards Direct continues its strategic expansion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The LEGO Group is set to open its first-ever store in Northern Ireland, choosing Victoria Square in Belfast as its flagship location. Expected to launch this summer, the 1,776 sq ft store will offer an immersive shopping experience, featuring a ‘Pick a Brick’ wall, a Minifigure Tower, and a host of interactive monthly events for fans of all ages. The arrival of LEGO follows a wave of new leasing activity at Victoria Square, with brands such as The White Company, Rituals UK & Ireland, Knoops, and JD Sports Fashion all expanding their presence at the retail destination. Russell Banham, UK Head at Commerz Real, Victoria Square’s asset manager, said:“The LEGO Group is one of the world’s most recognisable brands, and we are thrilled they have chosen Victoria Square for their first Northern Ireland store. As the region’s leading retail and leisure destination, this addition strengthens our already diverse mix of premium brands. It’s fantastic news not only for LEGO enthusiasts but also for the broader retail landscape in Northern Ireland.” Cushman & Wakefield represented The LEGO Group in the deal, while Savills and Lambert Smith Hampton acted on behalf of Commerz Real. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Spanish fashion giant Mango is accelerating its UK expansion with plans to open 20 new stores in 2025, further strengthening its presence in key locations across the country. The latest openings are part of the retailer’s ambitious 2024-26 growth strategy, which aims to increase Mango’s footprint and bring its total number of UK stores to over 90. Following a successful year of expansion in 2024, the brand is set to make an even bigger impact in the coming months. Major Openings in London and Beyond Six of the new stores will be in London, including a second flagship store on Oxford Street. Other prime locations include Kensington High Street and Long Acre in Covent Garden, reinforcing Mango’s commitment to high-visibility retail spaces in the capital. Beyond London, the expansion will extend across the UK and Ireland, with new stores opening in Birmingham, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Belfast, Craigavon, and Cardiff. These locations reflect Mango’s strategy of reaching a wider customer base and strengthening its presence in major shopping destinations. A Strong Commitment to Growth Mango, which currently operates in around 70 locations across the UK, is continuing its push to become a leading fashion retailer in the market. The brand has seen strong demand for its stylish, contemporary collections, and its store expansion is designed to enhance the in-person shopping experience for customers. Daniel López, Director of Expansion and Franchising at Mango, commented: “The UK remains one of our priority markets for international growth. Our 2025 expansion plan builds on the success of our store openings in 2024, allowing us to increase our reach and bring the Mango experience even closer to our customers.” With a growing presence in key retail hubs and a focus on delivering high-quality fashion in prime locations, Mango’s expansion signals confidence in the UK market. As the brand continues to invest in physical retail, shoppers can expect even greater access to its latest collections in stylish, well-designed stores nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Clowes Developments’ 20-acre Stud Brook Business Park has taken another important step forward as the units which will be occupied by Sainsbury’s and Starbucks reach practical completion. The developer received planning permission for the Sainsbury’s convenience store and Starbucks ‘drive-thru’ last July – both units are now ready for the well-known brands to move in and begin their fit-out programme as construction contractor Roe Developments delivers the buildings on time and according to schedule. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Sainsbury’s and Starbucks units reaching practical completion – both will complement the industrial and warehouse offering at Stud Brook Business Park and will be a real convenience boost for the neighbouring residents – as well as bringing new jobs to the area.” Stud Brook Business Park, a high-quality scheme at Castle Donington will include units ranging from 8,500 to 30,000sq ft when completed. The warehouse and industrial units will be delivered by a team including IMA Architects, lead contractor TanRo, Millwards engineers and Postins Project Services. The delivery team are aiming for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and an EPC rating of ‘A’ for units 2-7, in line with Clowes Developments’ sustainability goals. Features include recycling solutions, solar-ready roofs, electric vehicle charging points and landscaping. Additionally, units 2-7 will be delivered as ‘Net Zero in Occupation’, which will enable future occupiers to operate at Net Zero emissions. Stud Brook Business Park will cater for small and medium-sized businesses while also accommodating larger national operators with recognised household names to be announced in due course. Marketing for the development is being led by FHP Property Consultants and NG Chartered Surveyors. Tim Gilbertson at FHP Property Consultants, said: “We know how onsite facilities improve the attraction of industrial estates substantially providing effectively breakout areas and opportunities to ‘get away from the desk’ or have impromptu meetings for business owners and staff alike, so for FHP to have secured both Starbucks and Sainsbury’s for this scheme is great news all round and will, I have no doubt, help us to find the last couple of occupiers for the few units remaining.” Richard Sutton, Managing Director at NG Chartered Surveyors, added: “It’s brilliant news that these first two units are set to be occupied by such big-hitters. This will only help drive even more quality occupiers to Stud Brook Business Park – and the level of demand we’ve seen for this high-end development has already been incredibly high.” Clowes and their agents are currently marketing a handful of speculatively developed units that sit within the first phase of the development which will be ready for occupation by the Spring. Additionally, they are now starting to take enquiries from trade counter operators. Plot 1 sits at the front of the site, benefitting from a prominent roadside presence and onsite parking, these units ranging in size from 3,229 – 4,606sq ft will wrap around the new Starbucks Drive-Thru facility, this part of the business park has been designed to enhance amenities for locals, occupiers and visitors. Remaining opportunities are available on a leasehold basis. Interested parties are invited to contact agents directly via richards@ng-cs.com and tim@fhp.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals