Australian homewares giant Harvey Norman is set to strengthen its UK footprint with the opening of a new store and headquarters at The Gracechurch Centre in Royal Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham. The move follows the retailer’s successful launch in England at Merry Hill in October 2024 and marks the next step in a series of planned investments across the West Midlands as part of its broader UK and global expansion strategy. Founded in 1982, Harvey Norman has grown into an international retail powerhouse, operating more than 300 stores worldwide across Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia, Croatia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Katie Page, CEO of Harvey Norman, highlighted the region’s appeal: “The West Midlands’ high-quality retail space and excellent connectivity are key reasons we have chosen Sutton Coldfield as the home of our new UK headquarters and our next store. Gracechurch will provide a fantastic hub for our growing UK team, and I look forward to returning to the region as we advance our expansion plans.” The new opening is part of a wider regeneration initiative led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is backing a multi-million-pound investment to revitalise The Gracechurch Centre. The redevelopment plans include new homes alongside enhanced leisure, retail, and commercial spaces. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the investment: “Harvey Norman’s decision to set up in Sutton Coldfield is a huge boost for the area. It proves that our high streets can thrive again, creating jobs and giving people more reasons to visit, shop, and socialise. “With new jobs and homes on the horizon, we are delivering real opportunities and making this town an even better place to live and work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Gym Group has announced plans to open between 14 and 16 new sites in 2025, building on strong revenue growth in the past year. The expansion is part of the operator’s broader strategy to launch around 50 new gyms over three years. Last April, Savills was appointed to support its property search and expansion efforts. With approximately 245 locations across the UK, The Gym Group added 12 new sites in 2024, including venues in Orpington, London Euston Road, Manchester Oxford Road, Welwyn Garden City, and several key London areas such as Plaistow, East Ham, Bromley-by-Bow, Shepherd’s Bush, and Elephant and Castle. The company’s financial results for 2024 highlight a positive trajectory, with revenue reaching £226.3 million, an 11% increase year on year. Adjusted pre-tax profit improved significantly, rising to £3.6 million from a £5.5 million loss in 2023. Free cash flow also saw a notable boost, increasing to £37.5 million by year-end, up from £27 million in 2024. Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group, said: “This strong set of results demonstrates solid progress against our Next Chapter growth plan. Membership, revenue, and profit have all increased, reinforcing our market-leading position in a sector that continues to expand. “We will continue to build on initiatives launched in 2024 while introducing new strategies for 2025, with a strong focus on leveraging technology and data to drive future growth. Given our momentum, we are confident in meeting the top end of recently revised analyst forecasts for 2025. We also remain on track to achieve our target of opening around 50 high-quality gyms over three years, funded entirely through free cash flow.” With a growing member base and a commitment to accessible, high-quality fitness facilities, The Gym Group is set to strengthen its position as a leading force in the UK’s health and wellness sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Domino’s Pizza Group (DPG) has announced plans to open more than 50 new stores across the UK in 2025, as it continues to capitalise on long-term growth opportunities. The group, which operates 1,372 stores in the UK and Ireland, has secured a five-year framework agreement with its franchise partners to drive expansion. This follows a strong performance in 2024, during which it opened 54 new stores across 21 franchise networks. Despite a slight 0.4% year-on-year decrease in revenue, bringing the total to £664.5 million for the year ending 29 December 2024, DPG continued to make strategic investments. It spent £62 million acquiring the remaining 85% stake in Shorecal Limited, the largest Domino’s franchisee in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and completed the sale of its corporate store estate in London for £34.8 million. DPG CEO Andrew Rennie highlighted the company’s progress, stating: “Our results reflect the strength of our long-term strategy. We’ve reinforced our competitive position, secured a new agreement with our franchise partners, and expanded our store network. As the year progressed, our trading momentum increased, our delivery channel returned to growth, and we achieved strong underlying earnings.” He added: “In 2024, we made disciplined investments to fuel growth, including the acquisition of Shorecal in Ireland and DP Poland. We also reinvested funds from store disposals to strengthen our position. Looking ahead to 2025, we are entering the year on a positive note, even in an uncertain market. With a strong pipeline of store openings and a resilient business model, Domino’s is well positioned for continued success.” As the company accelerates its expansion, Domino’s is set to strengthen its presence across the UK, reinforcing its market leadership in the fast-food delivery sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Only two contenders remain in the race to acquire WHSmith’s high street business as the retailer considers withdrawing from town and city centres across the UK. Alteri, the owner of Bensons for Beds, and Modella Capital, which owns Hobbycraft, are now the final bidders in discussions with WHSmith and its advisers regarding a potential deal. Doug Putman, the owner of HMV, is no longer involved in negotiations, although the Canadian businessman could still submit an offer before the auction process concludes. This follows WHSmith’s announcement in January that it was exploring strategic options for its high street division, including a potential sale. The retailer, which operates around 500 high street stores across the UK, has increasingly shifted its focus to its global travel division, which now accounts for 85% of its trading profit. A sale could result in WHSmith giving up the rights to its brand name, raising the possibility that the retailer – a presence on British high streets since 1792 – may disappear from town centres altogether. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Greggs is setting its sights on 140 to 150 new store openings in 2025, following a record-breaking year in which the bakery chain surpassed £2 billion in sales for the first time. In 2024, Greggs expanded its presence with 226 new store openings, while closing 28 locations and relocating 53. The company also refurbished 165 existing shops, bringing its total estate to 2,618 stores by the end of the year. Looking ahead, Greggs sees significant potential to exceed 3,000 UK stores in the long term. The company’s total sales for 2024 rose 11.3% year-on-year to £2.01bn, with underlying operating profit increasing 13.7% to £195.3m. Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, reflected on the company’s success: “2024 was another record-breaking year for Greggs; we exceeded £2 billion in sales for the first time and opened our 2,600th shop. Our people have worked tirelessly to deliver on our strategic ambition to further establish Greggs as a multi-channel food-to-go retailer, and I want to acknowledge their efforts. It is thanks to their hard work, week after week, that we continue to grow, while maintaining the great prices, high-quality products, and friendly service that keep our customers coming back.” Currie also reaffirmed Greggs’ long-term growth strategy: “In 2021, we set our sights on doubling sales by 2026 and building a significantly larger business. Three years into this five-year plan, we are on track and confident in the growth opportunities ahead. The brand is stronger than ever, with vast potential to expand our store network and continue developing in newer markets and channels.” With strong momentum and ambitious expansion plans, Greggs is poised for another year of impressive growth in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

WHSmith could vanish from UK high streets as the retailer considers selling its 500-store high street division, with reports suggesting any deal may not include the rights to its historic brand name. The company, which has been a fixture of British high streets since 1792, is shifting its focus towards its more profitable travel retail business. In January, WHSmith confirmed it was exploring strategic options for its high street division, including a potential sale. However, it is now understood that any deal may exclude the WHSmith branding, raising questions about the future identity of the stores. Among those reportedly interested in acquiring the high street business are HMV owner Doug Putman, Bensons for Beds owner Alteri, and Modella Capital, which owns Hobbycraft. Despite recording an operating profit of £32 million last year, WHSmith’s high street stores remain largely focused on greeting cards, books, and stationery, while its travel division – which offers a broader range of food, drinks, and technology – now accounts for 85% of the company’s overall profits. If the sale goes ahead without brand retention, it could spell the end of WHSmith as a recognisable presence on UK high streets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wickes has secured four former Homebase locations as part of its ongoing expansion, following the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration last year. The newly acquired stores in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, and Leeds Moor Allerton will reopen under the Wickes brand later this year. They join a Northampton site, acquired in July 2024, which is currently undergoing refurbishment. The acquisitions align with Wickes’ strategic growth plans, allowing the company to expand into new catchment areas while continuing its store opening programme. Wickes chief executive David Wood said, “We are delighted to be acquiring these former Homebase stores and welcoming all colleagues currently working there into the Wickes family. This move further strengthens our ambitious store expansion strategy, helping even more customers bring their home improvement projects to life.” Wickes is among several home improvement retailers capitalising on Homebase’s restructuring. B&Q has taken over eight former Homebase locations across the UK and Ireland, while new Homebase owner CDS Superstores—operator of The Range and Wilko—has committed to rebranding up to 70 stores. With these latest acquisitions, Wickes continues to reinforce its presence in the home improvement sector, bringing its product range and expertise to more communities nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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