Aldi Accelerates £370m UK Expansion with Seven New Supermarket Openings in November
Aldi is accelerating its UK supermarket expansion with plans to open seven new stores during November 2026, forming part of a wider £370 million investment programme aimed at strengthening its retail property portfolio and bringing new shopping facilities to communities across the country. The latest openings represent another significant step in the discount supermarket chain’s long-term growth strategy, which includes an ambition to operate 1,500 stores nationwide. The investment reflects Aldi’s continued confidence in physical retail development, with new supermarket construction, property acquisitions and store fit-outs playing an important role in supporting the retailer’s expansion. The seven new supermarkets will open in Basildon, Essex; Newport on the Isle of Wight; Matlock, Derbyshire; Stepney Green and Willesden in London; Orrell, Wigan; and Waterlooville, Hampshire. The geographical spread of the openings demonstrates Aldi’s strategy of expanding into both established residential communities and urban locations, increasing access to its supermarket offering across different regions of the UK. Major Investment in New Retail Developments The November openings form part of Aldi’s wider £370 million investment programme, which is supporting the continued growth of its UK store network. The retailer previously announced plans to open 80 new supermarkets over a two-year period, underlining its commitment to expanding its physical retail presence. This programme has already gathered momentum, with Aldi opening an average of one new store every week during September. For the construction and commercial property sectors, Aldi’s ongoing expansion represents a significant pipeline of retail development opportunities, supporting demand for supermarket construction, refurbishment, specialist fit-out services and associated building infrastructure. New supermarket developments typically involve a range of specialist construction disciplines, including structural works, mechanical and electrical installations, refrigeration systems, lighting, external works and car parking infrastructure. The continued rollout of new stores also highlights the importance of suitable development sites and the role of commercial property teams in identifying locations capable of supporting long-term retail operations. Supporting Local Communities and Employment Alongside expanding Aldi’s retail estate, the seven new supermarkets are expected to create hundreds of employment opportunities across their respective communities. The openings will also provide additional shopping facilities for residents, strengthening local retail provision and increasing consumer choice. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi, highlighted the importance of continued investment in new store locations. “Demand for new Aldi stores remains strong, and we want more shoppers to be able to enjoy our high-quality products at low prices,” he said. “Opening seven stores in November is another big step in our growth plans. It will create hundreds of local jobs and bring Aldi’s value to thousands more shoppers across the country.” The retailer’s expansion strategy is focused on identifying locations where new supermarkets can meet established demand while supporting the long-term growth of its customer base. For local communities, supermarket developments can provide important investment in retail infrastructure, helping to improve access to everyday shopping facilities and supporting employment opportunities. Continued Growth Across the UK Retail Property Market Aldi’s latest announcement comes as major supermarket operators continue investing in their physical estates, recognising the importance of modern retail environments alongside the development of online and digital services. The discount retailer’s long-term target of 1,500 UK stores demonstrates the scale of its property ambitions and the potential for further investment in new supermarket developments. The expansion is also significant for the wider retail construction sector, where supermarket operators remain important clients for contractors, architects, engineering consultancies and specialist building services providers. As Aldi continues to grow its store network, the delivery of efficient, well-located retail buildings will remain central to its development strategy. The November openings will add seven further locations to the company’s expanding portfolio, following a sustained period of investment and new store delivery throughout 2026. With its £370 million investment programme supporting continued development and a long-term ambition to reach 1,500 stores, Aldi is reinforcing its position as a major investor in the UK’s retail property sector. The latest openings demonstrate the retailer’s commitment to expanding its supermarket estate, creating employment opportunities and delivering new retail facilities for communities across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Councils responds to Budget and Fiscal Devolution Roadmap
Responding to the government’s Budget and Fiscal Devolution Roadmap, Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Chair of London Councils, said: “A fair and prosperous London is essential to creating a fair and prosperous UK. Growth in the capital doesn’t just benefit Londoners – it raises living standards across the whole country. “Boroughs needed a Budget that bolsters resources and turbocharges local delivery. Although the government faces a tough fiscal situation, empowering councils to drive local growth pays dividends for the national economy. “Devolution should come as close as possible to communities. As London receives new fiscal powers – including keeping more of the money raised in business rates and income tax – London boroughs must have a key role. Boroughs know our communities best and deliver the crucial local services Londoners rely on every day. “We therefore welcome the government’s commitment to working with boroughs as well as the GLA to develop a bespoke approach for London. Boroughs need to be equal partners with a formal say on devolved funding decisions alongside the Mayor so we can help ensure the best possible results across the capital. “The overall outlook for London boroughs’ finances remains extremely difficult, especially due to skyrocketing social care and homelessness costs. We will continue to seek sustainable funding solutions to end the crisis in town hall finances, including through the government’s next Spending Review. Boroughs remain as committed as ever to working with the government on our shared priorities such as building more council homes, supporting more Londoners into work, and generating good growth in every postcode.” Devolution Boroughs are determined to play a full and active part in shaping the next stages of London’s devolution journey. Following the Budget’s commitment on retention of business rates and income tax, London Councils will seek to clarify what share will come to boroughs. This is vital considering boroughs’ role providing local services to businesses and supporting economic growth. The cross-party group says that fiscal devolution must improve boroughs’ overall level of resources, which is key to reducing reliance on central government, giving them more control of their own destiny, and creating better incentives to drive local growth in communities. Housing London is grappling with the most severe housing and homelessness emergency in the country. London Councils estimates one in 50 Londoners (210,000) are homeless, and boroughs collectively spend over £5m daily on providing temporary accommodation. The Budget confirms a welcome funding boost for rough sleeping support and to the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP). Boroughs await further detail on what this means for London. London Councils has previously identified a pipeline of over 50,000 potential new council homes in the capital. Even with the SAHP uplift announced at the Budget, further financial support will be required to help boroughs deliver all these homes in the coming years. Boroughs will continue to seek an end to the freeze on temporary accommodation subsidy levels. The amount the government pays councils through the welfare system to subsidise temporary accommodation has been frozen since 2011, even though housing costs have increased hugely in the subsequent 15 years. Increasing the subsidy so it is more in line with today’s housing costs is vital for sustaining boroughs’ finances and enabling them to keep supporting homeless Londoners. Infrastructure London Councils welcomes new mechanisms announced at the Budget to support key infrastructure projects in the capital such as the Bakerloo Line extension, West London Orbital, and upgrades to Stratford International and Euston. These are agreed priorities within the London Infrastructure Framework – a single document agreed by London Councils and the Mayor of London setting out the infrastructure projects needed to enable economic growth, housing, and climate resilience across the capital. It will be critical that the locally impacted boroughs are involved in the planning and can effectively benefit from and further mobilise growth created by the infrastructure investment. Boroughs want London empowered to invest in its own growth by allowing the capital to retain land value uplift generated by infrastructure projects. This would support investment in the next generation of growth-enabling infrastructure. Employment and skills Almost 1.3 million Londoners are currently economically inactive. Boroughs are eager to be empowered to improve the impact of local support and help more residents into work. London Councils also looks forward to the final report of the Milburn Review. London’s five Get Britain Working Trailblazers supported more than 6,000 Londoners in their first year. Boroughs are pushing for guaranteed funding for a third year of the trailblazers so that proven programmes due to end next year are not lost to a funding cliff-edge. Boroughs’ overall finance pressures Ahead of the Budget, London Councils warned of a growing funding gap threatening to destabilise local services and undermine delivery. London Councils forecast a funding shortfall for boroughs of up to £1.2 billion this year (2026-27) and £5.2 billion between now and 2030. In the lead up to the next Spending Review, London Councils will continue to analyse boroughs’ finances and push for national policy changes to end the crisis in local government finances. Pressures are driven by the fast-rising cost of providing services and growing need from vulnerable Londoners. Adults’ and children’s social care, homelessness, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services continue to see increasing levels of demand. The government’s 2025 Fair Funding Review improved funding levels for some London boroughs but saw London’s overall share of national funding for local authorities reduce. London local government is disproportionately reliant on the government’s Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) scheme compared to other English regions. Nine of London’s 33 local authorities currently receive EFS, accounting for more than a third of the £1.5 billion received through EFS by local authorities in England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Westcombe Group Secures Approval for £20m Luxury Hotel and Residential Transformation in Richmond
The Westcombe Group has secured planning approval for a £20 million mixed-use redevelopment in Hampton Wick, Richmond upon Thames, which will see a former student accommodation building transformed into a luxury five-star hotel alongside 22 new residential properties. The approved scheme will breathe new life into Kingston Bridge House, converting the existing property into a Hotel Indigo destination operated under the internationally recognised IHG Hotels & Resorts brand, while introducing new homes and affordable housing to the local area. The development represents a significant investment in the regeneration of an existing building, combining hospitality, residential accommodation and economic opportunities within a prominent location close to Kingston upon Thames. Construction is scheduled to commence in January 2027, with the works being delivered by Westcombe Group’s in-house construction division. Transforming Existing Student Accommodation The £20 million project will involve the comprehensive conversion and refurbishment of Kingston Bridge House, which previously operated as student accommodation. The redevelopment will reposition the vacant building for new commercial and residential uses, creating a mixed-use destination designed to support both the local housing market and the area’s visitor economy. At the heart of the scheme will be a new five-star Hotel Indigo, bringing an internationally recognised hospitality brand to Hampton Wick. Hotel Indigo is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio and is known for its individually designed hotels, which typically reflect the character and identity of their surrounding neighbourhoods. Alongside the hotel, the redevelopment will deliver 22 residential properties, including affordable housing, contributing to the provision of new homes within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The combination of hospitality and residential accommodation reflects the growing importance of mixed-use property development, particularly where existing buildings can be adapted to accommodate changing market requirements. Major Investment in Hospitality and Residential Development The scheme will provide a new luxury hospitality destination for Hampton Wick, supporting the local economy through employment opportunities and increased visitor activity. The introduction of a five-star hotel is expected to attract additional visitors to the area, benefiting surrounding businesses, restaurants and other local services. For the construction and property sectors, the project highlights the opportunities associated with converting existing accommodation into alternative uses, particularly within established urban locations where suitable development sites can be limited. The redevelopment will require the adaptation of the existing building to accommodate the different operational requirements of hotel and residential uses. Such conversions involve careful coordination of architectural design, internal layouts, building services and construction works to ensure the completed development is suitable for its new purpose. The decision to retain and transform an existing property also reflects a wider trend within the built environment towards the refurbishment and repositioning of established buildings rather than relying exclusively on new construction. Westcombe Group to Deliver Construction In-House Westcombe Group will oversee the redevelopment through its own construction division, providing direct control over the delivery of the £20 million programme. The project will represent an important addition to the developer’s portfolio, combining residential development with the delivery of a major international hotel brand. Kamal Pankhania, Chief Executive Officer of Westcombe Group, welcomed the planning approval and highlighted the wider benefits the development is expected to bring to Hampton Wick. “We are transforming a formerly vacant building into new homes, affordable housing and a five-star luxury hotel that will bring jobs, prosperity and thousands of visitors into the local area each year,” he said. Pankhania also emphasised the significance of establishing a relationship with IHG Hotels & Resorts. “IHG is one of the most respected names in global hospitality and we see this project as marking the start of a long and successful relationship between our two businesses, here in the UK and overseas.” The partnership could provide a platform for further hospitality development opportunities, with Westcombe Group expressing ambitions to build upon the relationship in both domestic and international markets. Supporting Richmond’s Mixed-Use Property Market The transformation of Kingston Bridge House will contribute to the continued evolution of Richmond upon Thames’ property market, introducing new residential accommodation alongside investment in the local hospitality sector. The inclusion of affordable housing will also provide a community benefit, helping address local housing requirements within an area where residential development opportunities are often constrained. For Hampton Wick, the redevelopment represents an opportunity to bring a vacant property back into productive use, creating a combination of homes, visitor accommodation and economic activity. The scheme also demonstrates how existing buildings can be repositioned to support changing demand across different property sectors, bringing together residential development, hotel operations and regeneration within a single project. With planning permission now secured, Westcombe Group is preparing to commence construction in January 2027. Once completed, the £20 million redevelopment will deliver a new Hotel Indigo destination and 22 homes, transforming Kingston Bridge House into a mixed-use development that supports the local community, strengthens the area’s hospitality offering and contributes to the ongoing regeneration of existing property assets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Conlon Construction Completes £13.5m Transformation of Blackburn’s Landmark Entertainment and Leisure Venue
Conlon Construction has completed its works on the £13.5m transformation of Blackburn’s King George’s Hall, following an 18-month programme of restoration and modernisation at the Grade II listed venue. The Preston-based contractor was appointed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to deliver a major, government-funded programme of works across the 105-year-old building, upgrading its infrastructure and visitor facilities while preserving its historic character. External works included new roof coverings, window and louvre refurbishment, stonework repairs and repointing, and the reconstruction of the historic chimney. Internally, Conlon has delivered improvements across the venue, including the refurbishment of multiple bars, alongside upgraded toilet facilities and new auditorium seating. The completed works also include a comprehensive mechanical and electrical upgrade throughout the 2,900m² venue, with new heating and ventilation systems, improvements to the fire alarm system, upgraded lighting infrastructure and refurbished auditorium lanterns. Working within a Grade II listed building required careful planning and coordination to integrate modern building services and facilities while protecting its architectural character. Original features have been retained and enhanced wherever possible, with specialist conservation works forming part of the wider programme. Guy Parker, Chair and Managing Director of Conlon Construction, said: “Completing our works at King George’s Hall is a significant milestone for a building that has played such an important role in Blackburn’s cultural life for more than a century. “We have considerable experience delivering projects of this ilk, including the £19m transformation of Preston’s Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library. Projects like these require a careful balance between protecting the character and history of a building and ensuring it can meet the needs of the people who use it today. “It’s great to see King George’s Hall open its doors again, providing a modern venue for audiences across Blackburn and the wider region, while preserving its heritage for future generations.” Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “The King is back, and it’s looking better than ever, having benefited from more investment than it has seen since it first officially opened back in 1921. “This is such an iconic and much-loved venue – for our borough and the whole region – and this transformation will help safeguard its future, protecting it for many more generations to come. “It’s also an important part of our strategic vision for Blackburn town centre, being the jewel in the crown of our £50m new Cultural Quarter. “After a hugely successful headline gig and grand civic reopening, we can’t wait to welcome more people through the doors to enjoy all there is to offer with an exciting line-up to look forward to.” You can view a full guide to what’s on at King George’s Hall and buy your tickets at: www.bwdvenues.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PLP Architecture completes Holborn Viaduct, a best-in-class, net-zero London HQ for Hogan Lovells
Global architecture and urban design practice, PLP Architecture is pleased to announce the completion of Holborn Viaduct, a 13-storey office development at the junction of Holborn Viaduct and Farringdon Street in the City of London. The building, designed around the principles of a circular economy, will serve as the new headquarters of global law firm Hogan Lovells and prioritises wellbeing through its flexible workspaces, dedicated wellness wing and biodiverse outdoor terraces. Positioned as a modern gateway to the Culture Mile, Holborn Viaduct brings together workplace, public realm, archaeology and art to create a human-centric workspace that integrates heritage assets and meaningful public activation. Developed by Royal London Asset Management and constructed by Multiplex, Holborn Viaduct has been designed by PLP Architecture to meet the highest environmental and wellbeing standards, achieving BREEAM Outstanding, with a score of 92% at design stage, and WELL Platinum (Shell & Core). The all-electric building eliminates fossil-fuel combustion on site through the use of heat pumps and photovoltaics and incorporates passive design measures and mixed mode ventilation. Multiplex collaborated closely with Heyne Tillett Steel and BHC to reduce carbon throughout the project with a comprehensive materials strategy, including the integration of 80 tonnes of reused structural steel; the replacement of around a third of cement-based products with low-carbon alternatives; and the use of EAF steel and fibre reinforced concrete. The reuse of 33% of the existing Portland stone further enhanced the building’s circular-economy credentials. The extent of the building’s significant archaeological history was revealed during the excavation period ahead of construction. Led by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), the works uncovered a Roman cemetery preserved by the damp ground associated with the former River Fleet. Finds included five Roman oak coffins, skeletal remains, jewellery, a decorated Roman oil lamp dating from around AD 48–80, and a complete Roman funerary bed – the first of its kind ever discovered in Britain. A selection of these finds will be permanently displayed in a dedicated case within the building’s Farringdon Street lobby, integrating the site’s archaeological history into the new life of the building. At the heart of the project is a dramatic nine-metre level change between Holborn Viaduct and Farringdon Street, a remnant of Victorian civil engineering that has long shaped movement through the site. PLP Architecture’s design transforms this topographical constraint into a new piece of public infrastructure, introducing a step-free route between the two streets for the first time. A new public lift connects the levels alongside two landscaped plazas, creating a more accessible and welcoming connection through the City. The adjacent Grade II-listed gatehouse, designed by William Haywood in the 1860s played a large part in influencing the building’s design. Rather than imitate the historic structure, the design establishes a complementary relationship through proportion, material and detail. The lower floors are clad in a combination of new and reclaimed Portland stone, including some recovered from the 1920s office buildings previously occupying the site. The stonework is set at a level that aligns with the gatehouse, allowing the two buildings to read as a complementary pair without one overwhelming the other. Higher up, perforated aluminium fins extend across the upper floors, stepping upwards in response to the cornice lines of the gatehouse. The fins provide solar shading while screening openable panels that enable natural ventilation. Behind them, the building’s core and roof pavilion are enclosed in metallic silver framing, while bronze-coloured metalwork is used for the lower-level window frames. This material palette continues throughout the interiors, creating a deliberate continuity between the building and its public realm. Inside, an efficient structural grid and generous floor-to-ceiling heights provide adaptable floorplates capable of supporting both open-plan and activity-based working without requiring changes to the building’s core. A full-height atrium runs through the building, with staggered staircases connecting the floors and creating a prominent internal route and social space. Senior Associate Partner at PLP Architecture, Angela Parrozzani explains:“For us, the challenge was to turn a complex set of demands – heritage, sustainability, adaptability and public life – into one coherent building. The project required constant dialogue between the historic context and the needs of a contemporary workplace.” Partner at PLP Architecture, Bernard Storch expands further: “Many of the project’s defining qualities emerged from constraints that we chose to embrace as catalysts for design – from incorporating reused materials throughout the building and its façade to transforming the protection of existing trees into an expanded public realm with new public connections. What makes the building successful is that these decisions are not treated as separate layers, but as part of a single architectural language that gives the project a clear identity and a strong sense of place.” Ghanaian-born artist Harold Offeh was commissioned to create Intersections; a public artwork developed in partnership with local residents and extending across more than 100 metres of the building’s façade and public realm. Reportedly the longest artwork in the City of London, the work draws on the layered history of the site, from its Roman archaeology to more recent local histories, using photography, scanning and digital collage. Holborn Viaduct is an example of future ready architecture built around the circular economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Construction Secures £29m Contract to Transform Aberdeen School for 434 Pupils
Robertson Construction has been appointed as main contractor for the £29 million redevelopment of St Peter’s RC School in Aberdeen, following financial close on a major education project that will transform Old Aberdeen House into a modern primary school. The ambitious scheme, commissioned by Aberdeen City Council and designed by JM Architects, will combine the refurbishment of an existing building with a substantial new extension, creating improved teaching facilities and specialist learning environments for up to 434 pupils. The project is being delivered through hub North Scotland’s North Schools Programme and represents a significant investment in Aberdeen’s education infrastructure, supporting the council’s commitment to providing high-quality learning environments for children and the wider community. Construction is scheduled for completion during winter 2027/28, with the new school expected to become operational in early 2028. Major Refurbishment and New School Facilities The redevelopment will see Old Aberdeen House comprehensively refurbished and adapted to accommodate the educational requirements of St Peter’s RC School. The existing building will be transformed to provide 14 modern classrooms, alongside a general-purpose teaching room and dedicated nurture and sensory facilities. These specialist spaces will support a range of learning needs, providing flexible environments designed to enhance pupils’ educational experiences and wellbeing. A new extension will complement the refurbished building, introducing a purpose-built sports hall, dining hall and staff facilities. Together, the refurbished accommodation and new construction will create a two-stream primary school capable of accommodating up to 434 pupils. The scheme has been designed by JM Architects, with the architectural approach bringing together the adaptation of an existing property and the provision of new educational accommodation. For the construction and public sector property industries, the project demonstrates the opportunities associated with repurposing established buildings for modern educational use, while incorporating new facilities to meet changing operational requirements. The combination of refurbishment and extension will require careful coordination between the existing structure and newly constructed elements, ensuring the completed school operates as a cohesive educational environment. Investment in Modern Learning Environments The £29 million redevelopment forms part of Aberdeen City Council’s investment in education infrastructure, with a focus on creating improved learning spaces and facilities that can support pupils and teaching staff for years to come. The inclusion of dedicated nurture and sensory accommodation is a particularly important element of the project, reflecting the growing emphasis on providing inclusive and adaptable educational environments. Alongside traditional classroom accommodation, these facilities will offer additional spaces to support pupils with different learning and developmental needs. The new sports and dining halls will also enhance the school’s wider facilities, creating improved spaces for physical education, school activities and daily operations. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Robertson Group, welcomed the appointment and highlighted the importance of the organisation’s established relationship with Aberdeen City Council and hub North Scotland. “Reaching contract close at St Peter’s is an important milestone and reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership with hub North Scotland and Aberdeen City Council,” he said. “Together, we are building on a strong track record of delivering high-quality schools and creating a modern learning environment that will support pupils, staff and the wider community for generations to come.” Strengthening Aberdeen’s Education Infrastructure The project represents another important milestone in the delivery of public sector education facilities across the north of Scotland. Through hub North Scotland’s North Schools Programme, local authorities and delivery partners are working together to progress investment in school buildings and improve educational accommodation. Robertson Construction’s appointment will bring its construction expertise to the refurbishment and extension of Old Aberdeen House, with the programme focused on delivering a modern school environment within the agreed timeframe. The redevelopment will also demonstrate how existing buildings can be adapted for educational purposes, combining refurbishment with new construction to provide facilities suited to contemporary teaching requirements. Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, welcomed the progress being made. “I am delighted that we are actioning this important priority. Pupils will benefit from the significantly enhanced learning environment that is being created for them,” he said. “The new build will have excellent facilities, high-quality spaces and improved amenities. It’s great to see this advanced stage of construction. It is very satisfying to make this major project happen.” Completion Targeted for Early 2028 With financial close achieved and Robertson Construction appointed as main contractor, the project is progressing towards the delivery of a significantly improved educational facility for Aberdeen. The construction programme is scheduled to conclude during winter 2027/28, allowing the new St Peter’s RC School to become operational in early 2028. Once complete, the development will provide 14 classrooms, specialist teaching and support spaces, a new sports hall, dining facilities and accommodation for staff. The £29 million investment will create a modern two-stream primary school with capacity for 434 pupils, bringing together refurbished accommodation and new facilities within a single educational environment. For Aberdeen City Council, the project represents a substantial commitment to improving local school infrastructure, while for Robertson Construction and JM Architects, it provides an opportunity to deliver a major public sector development combining architectural adaptation, modern construction and enhanced educational facilities. The transformation of Old Aberdeen House will ultimately provide St Peter’s RC School with a new home designed to support the educational needs of future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals