NEWSFLASH 10th November 2025
Commercial Interiors UK is the UK's Business Association for the contract furnishing industry, covering the full spectrum of interior products and services in the UK and globally. Our weekly NEWSFLASH newsletter gives you an up to date listing of new opportunities in the hospitality, workplace, healthcare, education and export markets. For more industry news see: www.commercial-interiorsuk.com
CONTENTS
Page 1 Hospitality & Leisure
Page 3 Mixed Use
Page 4 Education
Page 5 Healthcare
Page 7 Tender Opportunities
Page 10 International
Page 16 Events, Information & Notifications
IHM London flagship to join Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio
Immersive Hospitality Management (IHM) has announced a £42 million redevelopment and rebranding of its flagship London property. Formerly known as Corus Hotel Hyde Park, the property closed in September 2025 for a major renovation and is set to reopen in late Autumn 2026 as Hyde & Seek, joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio.
The project marks a new chapter for the group, as the freehold asset is redeveloped into an upscale bohemian oasis.
Hyde & Seek’s design has been curated by interior designer Goddard Littlefair, with architecture by Unwin Jones Partnership. The design pays tribute to the hotel’s prime location beside Hyde Park, drawing inspiration from the park’s natural beauty with greens and blues used throughout to bring a sense of the outside into the property.
A brand-new addition to the hotel is a glass roofed courtyard offering flexible co-working spaces, enveloping guests in foliage and greenery inspired by the neighbouring park. In addition, the hotel will also feature a state-of-the-art gym and studio.
“Hyde & Seek is set to become a unique and eccentric addition to the London hotel scene,” comments Andrew Khoo, Chairman of Immersive Hospitality Management. “This project boldly pushes the boundaries of expectation, rejecting the dull and embracing the charm of the location. We are incredibly proud of this transformation and grateful to the incredible team of partners helping to bring this vision to life. We look forward to working with Marriott International to meet the diverse and everchanging needs of our guests, and we can’t wait to unveil Hyde & Seek next year.”
Champneys secures £32m for refurbishment and growth from investment partner Cheyne Capital
Champneys has extended its partnership with global alternative investment manager Cheyne Capital, with £32 million (US$41.1 million, €38 million) for capital expenditure for growth and refurbishment. This extended funding will be used across Champney’s portfolio of four spa resorts and two spa hotels.
All bedrooms and public areas are expected to be refurbished and the funds will also be used to enhance the spa and wellness facilities. Food and beverage concepts will be improved.
Alan Whiteley, CEO, Champneys commented: “At Champneys, we are always looking for ways to redefine the art of wellness. Guests can look forward to a comprehensive refurbishment of all bedrooms across our portfolio, ensuring each stay combines the highest standards of comfort with our signature ambience. Beyond the bedrooms, we are making extensive enhancements to our public areas and spa facilities,” added Whiteley. “This includes upgrading treatment rooms, expanding relaxation spaces and integrating the very latest in wellness technology. Our goal is to create environments where every moment, from the second you arrive to the moment you leave, feels restorative, indulgent and uniquely Champneys.”
Whitbread to Develop 131-Room Premier Inn Hotel in Leeds
Whitbread has obtained planning approval to transform Verity House, a vacant office building in the South Bank area of Leeds city centre, into a 131-room Premier Inn hotel. The company purchased the 44,000-square-foot building in October 2024 and submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council in May 2025.
Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with completion expected by spring 2027. The new hotel will be located near Leeds Railway Station and Granary Wharf. Upon opening, it will join three existing Premier Inn locations in Leeds city centre. Additionally, a 143-bedroom Premier Inn is under contract at Leeds Harewood Quarter as part of a Council-led redevelopment.
This project is part of Whitbread's broader strategy to expand its hotel network in northern England. The company is actively seeking more than 20 new locations in the region, alongside 15 potential sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland, aiming for a long-term target of 125,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland.
Chiltern Firehouse to reopen in April 2027
Chiltern Firehouse, which has been closed since February following a fire, has pencilled in a reopening date of April 2027. In its latest accounts on Companies House, the luxury London hotel said in a statement that ‘the forecasted reopening date is April 2027’, which would be more than two years after the blaze that caused significant damage throughout the building.
Architect Harriet Pillman, whose firm Donald Insall Associates previously helped convert the former fire station into a hotel, previously said restoration work on the Victorian building was likely to be “complex for lots of reasons” and expected the hotel to be closed for a few years. Owner of Chiltern Firehouse, Andre Balazs, opened the 26-suite hotel and restaurant in 2014.
Mayfair’s newest boutique hotel will now open in 2026
The opening of The Shepherd Mayfair, a new 82-room boutique hotel, has been pushed back to Q1 2026. Following a joint venture between Bain Capital and Orka Investments, The Shepherd Mayfair will be located in Sheperd Market, on the site of the former Park Lane Mews Hotel.
The property will be transformed by architecture and interior design practice Buckley Gray Yeoman and Timothy Shepherd, now of Shepherd&. The Shepherd Mayfair will be home to three F&B concepts. Bain Capital and Orka Investments took ownership of the site in 2021. The new iteration of the hotel, which will be part of Elegant Hotel Collection, will be delivered by CIT Group and managed by Hamilton Pyramid Europe.
Camden approves Hopkins’ plans for Highgate Cemetery restoration
Camden council has approved plans by Hopkins Architects for a restoration and renewal of Highgate Cemetery in north London. Hopkins’ plans for the site, which were recommended for approval by Camden council planning officers and backed by councillors at a planning committee yesterday evening, will establish a new landscape strategy for the site and include several new buildings.
The 25-year masterplan will add a new visitor centre with a cafe, a community and education building, renovate several existing structures, introduce a new drainage system, create new habitats for wildlife and establish a new management strategy for graves.
The project team includes project manager Artelia, West Scott Architects as conservation architect, Gustafson Porter & Bowman as lead landscape architect, Webb Yates on structures and civils, Caneparo Associates on transport and Montagu Evans on planning.
Alan Baxter is on the team as conservation consultant with Max Fordham on services, Huntley Cartwright on costs, Pick Everard as principal designer, Mola on archeology and Jo Thompson on garden design.
School contract awards for Tier Ones
The Department for Education has published contract awards notices for a raft of school building works. Kier, Bowmer & Kirkland, Morgan Sindall, Willmott Dixon Construction and Tilbury Douglas have all signed contracts to expand, renew or replace secondary school buildings around England.
• Kier Construction has won a £69.3m contract for a new school building for Upton-by-Chester High School in Cheshire as well as a £3.5m contract for work at Livingstone Academy Bournemouth.
• Bowmer & Kirkland has a £43.8m contract to regenerate Gosford Hill School in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, a £15.9m contract at Selby SEN school and a £10.7m contract at Brindley Heath Junior School Academy.
• Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure has a £16.3m contract to build new facilities for Burnside Secondary School, a pupil referral unit in Chingford, Essex, and a £29.3m contract at Appleby Grammar School in Cumbria.
• Willmott Dixon Construction has a £34.9m contract at Barnes School and Hospital.
• Tilbury Douglas has a £26.5m contract at East Durham College, a £26.4m contract at Pershore High School in Worcestershire, a £21.5m contract at Applebee Wood Community Specialist School in Preston and a £12.9m contract at Milford Junior School in Yeovil.
• Reds10 has a £20.3m contract at Angel Hill SEND School in Sutton, south London (see below).
Reds 10 wins second London SEND school
Modular construction specialist Reds10 is building a two-storey, all-through education facility for Connaught Special School, with capacity for 105 pupils, aged 4 to 18. This is Reds10’s second SEND school project in London that it has won recently. It also has a £20.3m contract at Angel Hill SEND School in Sutton. Construction in Newham is now under way, with completion scheduled for winter 2026/2027. Designed by HLM Architects, Connaught Special School will have purpose-built classrooms, flexible activity spaces, outdoor play areas, accessible parking and interiors tailored for accessibility and student wellbeing, with calming acoustics and colours. It will be built from modular components manufactured at Reds10’s offsite factory in East Yorkshire.
McAleer & Rushe wins Tottenham PBSA scheme
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed to deliver a major purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Tottenham High Road in London. The Printworks student development in Tottenham will blend new build construction behind refurbished listed buildings at 807 and 819-829 High Road, London N17.
Eleven student rooms will be created within the existing historic buildings fronting the High Road, with the remaining 276 delivered within a new-build development to the rear. McAleer & Rushe is working as main contractor for High Road West (Tottenham) Limited, a vehicle for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
Mark Diamond, senior director at McAleer & Rushe, said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering The Printworks, a landmark scheme that showcases our expertise in creating high-quality, sustainable student accommodation while celebrating and preserving local heritage. This development marks an exciting new chapter in the regeneration of Tottenham High Road, and we’re proud to be contributing much-needed student homes and modern spaces that enhance wellbeing and community for future generations.”
Willmott Dixon gets green light for Kirkby school rebuild
Willmott Dixon has been granted planning permission to build the new Outwood Academy Kirkby in Nottinghamshire. Ashfield District Council has given the green light for construction of a the new school building which will replace the existing 1970s structures.
The project is being fully funded by the Department for Education as part of its School Rebuilding Programm.
The new school is scheduled for completion in time for the 2028/29 academic year.
NHS prequalifies more modular builders
Thirty-two suppliers have secured a place on a £1bn modular building framework for the National Health Service. NHS Commercial Solutions has established a framework agreement for modular & prefabricated building solutions and associated services.
The framework is designed to be accessible by all NHS organisations as well as the wider public sector.
The agreement is divided into three lots – consultancy services, modular & prefabricated building services and managed services, valued at £150m, £600m and £300m respectively.
Lot 1:ConsultancyServices(totalvalue£150m)
• Low Carbon Europe, Brighton
• MA Cost Consulting, Milton Keynes
• MTX Contracts, Handforth
• PHS Architects, Stokesley
• Premier Modular, Brandesburton
• Tetra Tech, Leeds
• Akerlof, Northampton
• Avison Young, Birmingham
• Exi, Coventry
• Health Spaces, Peterborough
• Imaging Matters, Leamington Spa
Lot2:Modular&PrefabricatedBuildingServices(totalvalue£600m)
• Mac Zero Modular Buildings, Dungannon
• Mental Health Acute Pods, Crawley
• Merit Holdings, Cramlington
• Moduleco, Cheltenham
• Moduleco Healthcare, Ellesmere Port
• Modulek, Verwood
• P McVey Building Systems, Toomebridge
• Reds10, London
• RG Stones Buildings, Oswestry
• McAvoy Modular Offsite, Lisburn
• Portable Living Group, London
• Vamed Engineering, Vienna
• Vanguard Healthcare Solutions, Brockworth
• Vision Built Structures, Highland
• Wernick Buildings, Wickford
• Western Building Systems, Coalisland
• Actiform, Mirfield
• Darwin Group, Telford
• Flexibilistay, Harderwijk
• Ergea UK & Ireland, Reading
• Health Spaces, Peterborough
• Imaging Matters, Leamington Spa
Lot3:ManagedServices(totalvalue£300m)
• Moduleco Healthcare, Ellesmere Port
• MTX Contracts, Handforth
• Premier Modular, Brandesburton
• Vanguard Healthcare Solutions, Brockworth
• Darwin Group, Telford
• Ergea UK & Ireland, Reading
• Genmed ME, Cwmbran
• Imaging Matters, Leamington Spa
NEPO411 – FURNITURE
The Association of North East Councils Limited
UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023
Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-071590
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-059a69
Published 4 November 2025, 1:53pm
Reference NEPO411
Description: The Association of North East Councils Limited trading as the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) seeks to establish a Framework for the supply of furniture.
The Framework will be available to all Members and Associate Members of NEPO. A full list of NEPO Members is available here https://www.nepo.org/about and a full list of Associate Members is available here http://nepo.org/associate-membership/list.
This preliminary market engagement notice provides advance notice to the marketplace of the tendering opportunity and NEPO's intention to undertake market consultation activities with suppliers to help shape the future Framework.
Commercial tool: Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated): £160,000,000 including VAT, above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated) : 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2030 - 4 years
Main procurement category: Goods
CPV classifications: 39100000 - Furniture
Contract locations: UK - United Kingdom
Engagement deadline : 28 November 2025
Engagement process description : NEPO intend to publish a Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire via the OPEN e-Tendering system (www.open-uk.org). The questionnaire responses will help NEPO design the Framework by providing the level of market interest and provide insight from suppliers on the shaping of the future provision.
The questionnaire will be made accessible via OPEN on 12/11/2025 with a submission deadline of 12:00 on 26/11/2025. Suppliers wishing to access and complete the questionnaire must first register on OPEN using the link above.
For guidance on how to create an account or submit your questionnaire response through OPEN, please visit www.open-hub.org/training to access the available Training Guides.
Should you require technical assistance from the OPEN Support team, this can be requested via open.support@nepo.org
PLEASE NOTE: OPEN is accessible 24/7 however, technical support is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 - 17:00 and Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
NEPO also intend to hold a Market Engagement event* with interested suppliers via Microsoft Teams on 28/11/2025. This event will include a presentation and Q&A. Suppliers wishing to attend this event are required to register their interest either via email to sam.herron@nepo.org or by way of completion of the questionnaire on OPEN by 12:00 on 26/11/2025.
*Attendance is optional and does not provide suppliers with an advantage in any future related procurement. Nor does it constitute as an intention to tender for any future related procurement.
Please note the above information may be subject to change
Publication date of tender notice (estimated): 30 January 2026
Contracting authority:
The Association of North East Councils Limited Companies House: 05014821
Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYVX-2132-JNMM
NEPO Northern Design Centre, Abbots Hill, Baltic Business Quarter, Gateshead, NE8 3DF
Email: facilities.management@nepo.org
Website: http://www.nepo.org
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside Organisation type: Public authority - sub- central government
Regent Theatre Auditorium Lighting
Ipswich Borough Council
UK4: Tender notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types
Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-071024
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-05da5b
Published 4 November 2025, 4:38pm
Reference IBC/19667
Description: Ipswich Borough Council are currently out to tender for the provision of auditorium lighting for the Regent Theatre.
This opportunity is available in the 'Current Tenders' area of portal. Interested parties are invited to express their interest to gain full access to the tender documentation.
The deadline date for submissions of the tender is 11:00am 17 November 2025. Please note late returns will NOT be permitted.
The deadline for clarification questions is 11:00am 11 November 2025 which must be generated via the correspondence option on the website
Total value (estimated):
£32,000 excluding VAT
£40,000 including VAT Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
5 December 2025 to 5 December 2026
Possible extension to 5 December 2027
2 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension: 12 months
Main procurement category: Goods
CPV classifications
31000000 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting
31500000 - Lighting equipment and electric lamps
31530000 - Parts of lamps and lighting equipment
Contract locations: UKH14 - Suffolk Enquiry deadline: 11 November 2025, 11:00am
Tender submission deadline: 17 November 2025, 11:00am
Submission address and any special instructions: www.suffolksourcing.uk
Tenders may be submitted electronically: Yes
Award criteria: 100% price only
Procedure type: Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority:
Ipswich Borough Council
Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPLT-7247- DMBJ Grafton House, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DE
Contact name: Procurement Email: procurement@ipswich.gov.uk
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub- central government
OVERVIEW:
Scandic Assumes Management of Dalata's 56 Hotels
Scandic has entered into a management agreement to oversee the operations of Dalata's 56 hotels, which encompass approximately 12,000 rooms. The agreement is set to commence on November 7, 2025, and will continue until the completion of a carve-out process and Scandic's intended acquisition of the hotel operations.
Under the terms of the agreement, Scandic will receive a quarterly management fee amounting to 4% of all revenues generated from the operation of the Dalata hotels. The existing management team at Dalata will maintain responsibility for day-to-day operations, with support from representatives of Scandic.
The planned acquisition of Scandic's hotel operations is expected to be finalized after the carve-out process. The anticipated purchase price for the acquisition is EUR 500 million, subject to adjustments upon completion. This figure corresponds to an estimated enterprise value of approximately six times the adjusted EBITDA for 2024.
EUROPE:
MEININGER Hotels to Open First Property in Madrid by 2027
MEININGER Hotels has announced the development of its first hotel in Madrid, marking its second location in Spain.
The project is being executed in collaboration with BNP Paribas Real Estate and Therus Investment. The hotel will be located at Avenida del Mediterraneo 44, approximately 500 meters from Retiro Park.
The new property will span over 7,700 square meters and feature 193 rooms, accommodating a total of 691 beds. The opening is scheduled for the end of 2027.
The room configuration at the new hotel will include 90 quadruple rooms, 39 twin rooms, 40 triple rooms, 11 quintuple rooms, and 13 sextuple rooms. This development is part of MEININGER Hotels' strategy to expand its presence in key European travel markets.
MIDDLE EAST:
ONE Development and Amr Diab break ground on DO Dubai Islands
ONE Development, one of the region’s fastest-growing AI-enabled real estate developers, has broken ground on its flagship hospitality project, DO Dubai Islands. Managed by DO Hotels & Residences, the project introduces the world’s first AI-powered musical hotel apartments, a concept that merges music, wellness, and intelligent technology into one experience. The development will feature hotel-serviced waterfront apartments and branded residences that combine smart design, wellness-focused amenities, and personalization services powered by AI.
The project launches at a time of strong growth for the UAE’s hospitality sector. Valued at 23.9 billion in 2024, the market is forecast to reach USD 37.7 billion by 2033, expanding at more than five percent annually. Dubai continues to drive this growth: the city welcomed 1.94 million international visitors in January 2025, a nine percent year-on-year increase, while regional hotel occupancy averaged 66 percent in 2024.
The DO Dubai Islands project offers a collection of waterfront hotel apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, all with freehold ownership and a fully managed rental pool and guaranteed ROIs. Designed to elevate modern living through immersive soundscapes and AI-enabled experiences, the property will feature recording studios, wellness spas, sports courts, co-working spaces, and direct access to Dubai Islands’ beaches and cultural attractions.
The launch follows ONE Development’s recent expansion into Egypt with DO New Cairo, underscoring its strategy to build intelligent, lifestyle-driven destinations across high-growth regional markets. By integrating design, culture, and technology, the company continues to deliver projects that reflect the evolving aspirations of modern investors and travellers.
Dubai Surpasses Las Vegas in Hotel Capacity as It Strengthens Position as a Global Tourism Powerhouse
Dubai has officially surpassed Las Vegas in hotel room numbers, cementing its place as one of the most ambitious and fastest-growing tourism destinations worldwide. Once viewed largely as a stopover hub, Dubai has transformed into a long-stay market, supported by substantial investment in hospitality infrastructure, culinary expansion, and year-round event programming.
According to the latest development figures, Dubai now ranks just behind London in global hotel room availability. This milestone follows a decade-long acceleration of tourism development, marked by the rapid delivery of new accommodation across price tiers, including the soon-to-open Ciel Tower, projected to become the tallest hotel in the world.
The city’s hotel sector has more than doubled in capacity over the last ten years. Currently, 56 hotels are under construction, collectively expected to add more than 15,000 rooms to the existing stock. Unlike earlier phases focused heavily on high-end resorts, the latest wave includes a broader mix of offerings, appealing to different travel segments and ensuring the city’s appeal remains wide-reaching.
Dubai’s hospitality ecosystem extends far beyond accommodation. The city licensed 1,200 new restaurants in 2024 alone, with high-profile international names such as China Tang and Le Relais de l’Entrecôte establishing a foothold. This culinary momentum signals a broader shift towards experienceled tourism where food, entertainment and brand-driven environments play central roles in attracting high-value travellers. The dining boom also supports commercial landlords, retail centres, and destination developers who increasingly integrate F&B-led programming into leisure zones and mixeduse developments.
Dubai’s tourism appeal also draws strength from its growing events calendar. While often compared to Las Vegas, Dubai has successfully diversified into sport and entertainment formats suited to a global audience.
With Abu Dhabi hosting Formula 1 and NBA games nearby, Dubai benefits from regional synergies that increase overnight stays and destination visibility. The city’s climate and infrastructure have also made it attractive for large-scale conferences and events.
USA:
Ennismore announces new Delano properties in partnership with Cain International
Lifestyle operator Ennismore has announced two new Delano-branded hotel deals following the company’s partnership with capital investment company Cain International. Cain acquired a minority stake in Delano in 2024, enabling strategic growth for the brand.
The two new properties are Delano SoHo New York, US, and Delano London, UK. The New York property and the renovation of the Delano Miami Beach hotel in the US are both in partnership with Cain.
The Delano SoHo New York hotel (pictured) will be created in the building currently known as The Dominick, which is on the doorstep of the city’s SoHo neighborhood, on Spring Street in Hudson Square. The site will be redeveloped to offer 390 guest rooms in the 46-floor tower.
Delano London will have 67 guest rooms, various restaurants and bars, lounges and live music areas when it opens in late 2026 near Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. It is being developed in partnership with Dubai-based real estate developer Signature Developers and UK private property investment and development company DCD Properties.
The Art Deco property Delano Miami Beach, US, which first opened in 1947, will re-open following extensive renovation at the start of 2026. It will have 171 guestrooms, curated wellness experiences and two feature pools. This hotel is historically significant for hosting Hollywood royalty.
Construction Begins on AC Hotels by Marriott Property in Fishers, Indiana
Dora Hospitality LLC has begun construction on Indiana's first AC Hotels by Marriott, situated at The Union in Fishers District, a suburb of Indianapolis. The project, which broke ground on October 29, is expected to be completed and open to the public in early 2027. The hotel is a collaboration between Fishers Hotel Partners LLC and Dora Hospitality.
The new hotel will feature 135 rooms and will be situated above approximately 15,500 square feet of retail space. It will include meeting facilities, a fitness center, and dining options in the AC Lounge and AC Kitchen. The development is part of The Union at Fishers District, a mixed-use area near Interstate 69 and 116th Street. The Union is one of five developments within the Fishers District master plan, which is managed by Thompson Thrift.
The Fishers District development, launched by Thompson Thrift in 2015, spans 123 acres and includes a variety of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces. The area features 60,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space, 251 apartment homes, and 70,000 square feet of office space. The development is designed to provide an urban experience with interconnected walking paths.
Minor Hotels to Open Anantara Resort in Ushuaia, Argentina
Minor Hotels has announced the signing of a new Anantara property to be developed in Ushuaia, Argentina. The Anantara Ushuaia Patagonia Resort is scheduled to open in early 2028.
The resort will be located in Ushuaia, known as the southernmost city in the world, situated where the Andes Mountains meet the Beagle Channel. It will be part of the Costa Susana master plan, positioned near Tierra del Fuego National Park.
It will feature 60 guest rooms and suites, a spa and wellness center, dining options, and meeting facilities. The development is notable for its participation in the World Architecture Festival's Landscape and Environment category, marking Argentina’s first nomination, and is recognized as the country's first carbon-neutral real estate project.
The hotel management agreement is with Fideicomiso Urbanización Monte Susana, an Argentine development group with experience in real estate projects in the Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego region.
ASIA:
Therme Group expands in Asia with development of Therme Korea-Incheon in South Korea
Therme Group has is expanding into Asia in collaboration with the South Korean Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Authority to develop Therme Korea-Incheon – a wellbeing resort in the city of Incheon. The landmark destination will be developed in the Songdo Golden Harbour: a commercial district in Songdo International Business District.
The development of the site follows the signing of an initial Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 by Therme Group, IFEZ and the City of Incheon. IFEZ then acquired two land plots from the Incheon Port Authority. The land lease contract will undergo a final review by Incheon City’s Public Property Review Committee before construction can begin.
The site is a strategic location for Therme Group due to both its facilities and transport links. It has been designed as a comprehensive tourism and leisure complex with hotels, condominiums and retail and also has access for cruise ships and car ferries.
The project will measure 99,041 sq m across two commercial land parcels. The resort will feature Therme’s nature-integrated design, dome glass structures and year-round indoor facilities, including a spa, waterpark and wellness experiences. Therme Group Asia’s team in South Korea is expected to lead the development in urban centres throughout South Korea, including the Incheon project.
The Leela to Open Desert Resort in Jaisalmer, India by 2026
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with The Godwin Group to establish The Leela Jaisalmer, a new resort in Rajasthan. This development marks the brand's entry into Jaisalmer, a city known for its desert landscape and historical significance.
The planned resort will cover 30 acres and include 80 rooms. It is scheduled to open in 2026. The location is near Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is accessible from Jaisalmer Airport and Jodhpur. The resort will feature a range of amenities, including a spa, salon, kids' club, swimming pool, dining venues, a man-made lake, a ballroom, and outdoor spaces suitable for events.
This project is part of The Leela's strategy to expand its presence in Rajasthan, a region with high demand for leisure travel. The company aims to create connections with its existing properties in Udaipur and Jaipur, enhancing its offerings in the state.
The Leela currently operates 13 properties across India, with plans to increase this number to 23 over the next three years. The expansion includes locations in Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar, Dubai, and now Jaisalmer.
IHG to Open Hotel Indigo in Bali's Cultural Hub by 2027
HG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new Hotel Indigo property in Ubud, Bali, in partnership with Ristia Group. The hotel, which will feature 130 rooms, is slated to open in 2027. This development marks the second IHG property in the Ubud area, following the recent announcement of Kimpton Bali Ubud.
The move is part of IHG's strategy to expand its Luxury & Lifestyle segment in Southeast Asia and Korea, where it currently has 92 hotels either open or in development.
The new Hotel Indigo will be situated in the Blangsinga Waterfall and Village area, a site known for its local attractions, including craft markets, retail centers, and a glass bridge spanning a valley.
The addition of Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud will enhance IHG's growing portfolio of the Hotel Indigo brand in Indonesia, which already includes properties in Bali Seminyak Beach, Bandung Dago Pakar, and Bintan Lagoi Beach. Globally, the Hotel Indigo brand comprises 183 hotels across more than 25 countries, with 132 additional properties in the pipeline.
Indonesia remains a strategic market for IHG, which currently operates 33 hotels in the country and has 12 more in development. The introduction of Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud is expected to strengthen IHG's Luxury & Lifestyle offerings in Indonesia, complementing other properties such as Regent Bali Canggu and Six Senses Uluwatu.
Hyatt Expands Presence in India with New Hyatt Place Bhuj Hotel Opening in 2029
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has signed an agreement to develop Hyatt Place Bhuj in Gujarat, India. The project, in partnership with Primitive Property LLP, will introduce the Hyatt Place brand to Bhuj, a city known for its cultural and corporate significance. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2029.
The planned Hyatt Place Bhuj will occupy a site of approximately 7,500 square meters. The hotel will feature 125 guestrooms and offer a range of amenities, including an all-day restaurant, a lobby lounge, and conference facilities. Additional features will include breakout meeting rooms, outdoor dining options, and flexible event spaces with pre-function areas.
The development of Hyatt Place Bhuj aligns with Hyatt's strategy to expand its presence in key Indian markets. The project aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers by providing accommodations that facilitate work and relaxation.
Fairfield by Marriott to Open in Tainan Science Park in 2029 in Taiwan
Marriott International has announced a development agreement with Sing Song Chien Limited to establish the Fairfield by Marriott Tainan Science Park. This project will introduce the first international branded hotel in Tainan Science Park, Taiwan, with an expected opening in 2029.
The new hotel will feature approximately 160 guestrooms and is designed to accommodate both shortstay business travelers and long-stay guests. It aims to serve the growing number of professionals working in the park's advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, and technology sectors.
This development represents a significant expansion of Marriott's presence in Taiwan, targeting an underserved market with strong brand recognition. The project is expected to enhance the hospitality landscape of Tainan Science Park, providing a new accommodation option for business travelers.
The agreement with Sing Song Chien Limited marks a strategic move for Marriott International, aligning with the company's broader goals of expanding its footprint in key industrial hubs. The Tainan Science Park location is expected to capitalize on the area's industrial growth and increasing demand for high-quality accommodations.
The Fairfield by Marriott Tainan Science Park will be a new-build, 4-star hotel, contributing to the area's development by providing additional hospitality infrastructure. The project is part of a broader trend of international hotel brands entering emerging markets with strong growth potential.
IHG Signs Agreement for Crowne Plaza in Lumbini, Nepal
IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with Lumbini Heritage Limited for the development of a Crowne Plaza hotel in Lumbini, Nepal. The hotel, which will feature 137 rooms and 10 suites, is expected to open in 2026. This marks the second Crowne Plaza hotel being developed in Nepal.
The hotel will be located approximately four kilometers from the main pilgrimage site in Lumbini and 18 kilometers from Gautam Buddha Airport. The Crowne Plaza Lumbini will feature various meeting and event spaces, including a banquet hall, to accommodate different types of events. The strategic location and facilities are expected to provide a competitive advantage in a market currently dominated by limited international hotel brands. This development is part of IHG's ongoing expansion in South Asia, where it operates several Crowne Plaza hotels.
EVENTS, INFORMATION AND NOTIFICATIONS
Webinar: Creating kinder cultures that enable your people to thrive 2025
Date: Thursday 20th November 2025
Time: 12PM - 1PM
Location: Online, Microsoft Teams Meeting
BOOK YOUR PLACE BY CLICKING HERE: https://form.jotform.com/252433021152340
CIUK Member Price: £60 + VAT
Non-member Price: £90 + VAT
You optimise the performance of your business when you create a kind culture that drives the energy of your employees. In this session we look at the best ways of keeping our staff mentally resilient whilst also looking after our own mental wellbeing. David Beeney will share insight on how best to create a workplace that is kind but people are inspired to achieve great results.
David Beeney enjoyed a successful career in newspapers and magazines for over 30 years, he was the MD of a regional daily newspaper and Commercial Director for Auto Trader. However, since outing himself in 2016 about his secret battles with panic attacks he believes that he has now found true purpose and has committed to spend the rest of his life eradicating the stigma of mental health. His business Breaking the Silence has quickly established itself as one of the leading advisors in the UK on ‘mental health in the workplace’ and David has helped many of the leading brands in the UK to create kinder more compassionate cultures of trust. He was recognised again in 2025 as one of the top 101 global influencers on employee engagement and is the author of ‘Breaking the Silence’. David is a qualified Mental Health Counsellor affiliated to the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Practitioners) and has been a trustee for Mind.
Learning outcomes:
• Explore ideas of how to create a kinder culture where people are caring, supportive and more empathic of each other’s anxieties.
• Look at what is considered best practice for Leaders to inspire employees to remain engaged during exceptionally challenging times.
• The importance of using the right language to encourage honest and open conversation about wellbeing.
• How you can improve your own levels of personal resilience during challenging times.
• How to inspire employees to be more open by saying ‘it’s okay not to be okay’ and by sharing our own vulnerabilities.
• The signs to look for that someone may be struggling and how best to open up a conversation with them.
• What is considered a best practice conversation for a Leader when someone approaches citing poor mental wellbeing.
• Important – Due to the sensitive nature of this webinar, no recording will take place.
New IPO workshop: turn your ideas into protected assets 18 November 2025, Future Inn, Bristol
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is launching a new CPD-accredited workshop designed to help you understand how intellectual property (IP) can turn your ideas into lasting business success.
This interactive one-day workshop is led by our expert IPO Business Engagement Team and is perfect for business owners and entrepreneurs.
You will gain practical insights into
• protecting your IP in the UK and abroad
• understanding other people's IP and how to avoid legal issues
• managing trade secrets and confidentiality.
Further information : Intellectual Property Office: One day workshop - GOV.UK