developer news
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
by Helen Andrews | 05 Jun 2026
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029. The creation of a new residence brand marks the expansion of the group’s global portfolio of residence offerings, which until now have fallen under the Mandarin Oriental Residences brand. Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental, said: “Abu Dhabi continues to distinguish itself internationally through the depth
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
by Helen Andrews | 28 May 2026
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary, with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s Southwest coast – the Calusa. The spa, which is set across three levels, was created by Champalimaud Design and uses a layered palette of natural materials, soft textures and luminous light to echo Naples’ shoreline. The reception features a hand-painted
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
by Helen Andrews | 15 May 2026
Miraval The Red Sea has opened on Shura Island in Saudi Arabia as part of The Red Sea Project. The development is the first Miraval-branded property outside the US. This site is the fourth Miraval resort in the world – following US-based properties in Arizona, Texas and Massachusetts. Hyatt bought Miraval from previous owners Steve Case and investor KSL in 2017 and has also started putting its Life in Balance
Property developer, Arada, announces third mega Wellfit health club in UAE
by Tom Walker | 05 Jun 2023
Wellfit, UAE-based operator of vast health and fitness, sport and wellness clubs, has announced plans to open its third full-service, large-scale hub in the Emirates. Wellfit Madar will be located in Sharjah within the new Madar family entertainment district, which is part of the Aljada mega project. The entire project is being brought to fruition by property development company Arada which founded the Wellfit brand in 2021 to operate health
Developer's plans for Thameside resort in 18th-century manor get green light
by Andrew Manns | 30 Jan 2019
British real estate company SUSD has announced that it has gained planning consent to develop the Grotto Estate – a 3.5-hectare country retreat on the banks of the Thames river in Lower Basildon, UK. Designed by Paul Forster, the future property, which will expand on a Georgian-era mansion said to have been designed by the renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, will feature 53 rooms and six two-bedroom detached lodges, two
FC Barcelona strikes deal with leisure park developer to launch Barça-themed attractions around the world
by Kim Megson | 14 May 2018
Spanish football giant FC Barcelona has reached a deal to open a number of Barça-themed “experience spaces” around the world. Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has signed a five-year agreement with leisure park developer Parques Reunidos to get the ball rolling on the project, which will see indoor parks, between 3,000 and 10,000sq m in size, opened in “busy shopping malls and iconic establishments in the centres of cities with
Design revealed for Welcome Pavilion at Liverpool's Albert Dock as developer pushes bid to create 'international leisure destination'
by Kim Megson | 21 Mar 2018
A planning application for a new Welcome Pavilion to be built at Liverpool's Albert Dock has been submitted to the city council. Designed by K2 Architects, the structure represents the first phase of a masterplan to upgrade the dockland attraction – home to the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the country – to the evolving needs of visitors, who travel to the landmark for its mixture of
What does Sadiq Khan's first London Plan mean for leisure architects and developers?
by Kim Megson | 29 Nov 2017
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched the draft of his first London Plan – described as "the capital’s strategic planning bible". The 524-page document sets out Khan’s vision for urban development and offers firm guidelines for architects and developers in a host of areas. The plan focuses on tackling of London’s housing crisis – with proposals to build 65,000 homes per year and make 50 per cent of
Dubai developer Nakheel reveals ambitious billion-dollar pipeline
by Kim Megson | 19 Sep 2017
Dubai developer Nakheel has unveiled a pipeline of new leisure developments across the emirate, collectively worth AED4bn (US$1.08bn, €908m, £806.8m). The company used last week’s Cityscape Global real estate convention as a platform to announce the new projects, which are all phased additions its previous leisure schemes. These include a luxury high-rise beachfront residential complex on Palm Jumeirah; a residential, mall, hotel and health resort at Discovery Gardens; a unique
Legacy plans set to be unveiled for development following Dubai Expo
by Alice Davis | 08 Sep 2017
The future of the Expo 2020 site after the international event closes in April 2021 will be revealed next week, with a “reputational, social, physical and economic” legacy plan. The development proposals will be unveiled during the annual Middle East real estate exhibition, Cityscape Global, which takes place 11-13 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It will be the first time the vision for the project has been made
Dubai developer preparing to launch leisure project worth AED3.2bn
by Kim Megson | 07 Sep 2017
Dubai development giant Nakheel is preparing to unveil a range of leisure projects worth more than AED3.2bn (US$871.2m, €727.5m, £666.9m) at the forthcoming Cityscape Global 2017 conference in the emirate. The company will launch six new residential, retail and hospitality developments for four of its communities in Dubai – including one of its its best-known locations: the tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah. Nakheel chair Ali Rashid Lootah said: “The Nakheel name is
Developer Evergrande announces plans to build Chinese theme park empire
by Tom Anstey | 30 Aug 2017
Billionaire Hui Ka Yan – majority owner of property developer China Evergrande Group – has announced plans to build 15 theme parks across China as the market continues to boom in the region. Branded Children's World, the Evergrande theme parks will be built across second-tier cities in China and focus on Chinese and Western mythology. Each park will target 15 million annual visitors and generate revenues of US$3bn (€2.5m, £2.3bn)
Life for New York Wheel as developer closes in on new contractor
by Tom Anstey | 14 Aug 2017
Stalled plans to develop America’s largest observation wheel have been given a lifeline after New York Wheel's developer announced negotiations with a new contractor to take over the beleaguered project. Originally scheduled for early 2017, the 630ft (192m) high development was pushed back to mid- and then late 2017, with the US$580m (€503m, £442m) wheel then delayed until April 2018 thanks to a “complicated engineering process”. The project was then
New York Wheel delayed indefinitely after contractor fired by developer
by Tom Anstey | 18 Jul 2017
Plans to develop America's largest Ferris Wheel are in jeopardy after the attraction's main contractor was removed from the project. Originally scheduled for early 2017, the development was pushed back to mid- and then late 2017, with the US$580m (€503m, £442m) wheel then delayed till April 2018 thanks to a “complicated engineering process”. The project is now completely on hold after developer NY Wheel ended its working arrangement with contractor
HollandWorld secures developer and expands proposal to include hotels district
by Alice Davis | 06 Mar 2017
The Delta Development Group has signed an initial agreement to drive forward plans for a Dutch-inspired theme park and leisure destination near Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The scope of the project has also widened to include plans for on-site hotels providing up to 4,000 rooms. Delta signed the deal with the City of Haarlemmermeer, a large suburb south of Amsterdam and the municipality where Schiphol Airport is located. Concept drawings
Thai developer named preferred bidder as British Film Institute seeks investor for flagship new home
by Kim Megson | 16 Jan 2017
The British Film Institute (BFI) has confirmed Thailand’s PACE Development Corporation is its preferred bidder to fund its planned International Centre for Film, TV and the Moving Image on London’s South Bank. A BFI representative told CLAD the organisation is “now in contract negotiations” with the developer, which impressed “following a procurement process for process to test the market for investors.” The institute wants to create a flagship national home
Leisure developers dream big as skyscraper construction reaches record high
by Kim Megson | 16 Jan 2017
Developers around the world are increasingly looking to the skies, with more buildings over 200m (656ft) completed in 2016 than in any other year. In its review of the year, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has determined that 128 buildings of 200m height or greater were completed around the world – a marking the third year running the record has been broken. The figure represents a
Public leisure amenities 'a draw' for private developers, SHoP's Coren Sharples tells CLAD
by Kim Megson | 05 Jan 2017
Leisure amenities and mixed-use building are the future of private developments, according to one of the founding principals of New York studio SHoP Architects. Coren Sharples, whose practice have designed New York’s forthcoming American Copper Towers – a residential project boasting a three-storey skybridge, spa, fitness centre and public realm – told CLAD the addition of leisure spaces, often publicly accessible, to offices and private residences is “now actually seen
MAPIC 2016 puts leisure in the spotlight as director urges developers to diversify
by Kim Megson | 15 Nov 2016
Developers of shopping malls and large retail centres can no longer ignore leisure, the director of the International Retail Real Estate Market (MAPIC) has told CLAD. Nathalie Depetro said that “the growth of digital e-commerce has pushed the need to make the physical shopping experience more amazing than ever before to remain relevant.” MAPIC 2016, which takes place from 16 to 18 November in Cannes, is one of the world's
Richard Meier: Developers need incentives to create public spaces
by Magali Robathan | 20 Oct 2016
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier has spoken about the importance of good quality public space in cities, arguing that there should be incentives at government level for developers to incorporate public space into their projects. Speaking exclusively to CLAD, the Getty Center architect said: “The problem is that developers really have no incentive to create public space. It's rare that a developer is going to give up space on their
Qatar developer unveils Zaha Hadid leisure projects for Lusail City masterplan
by Kim Megson | 12 Jul 2016
Two leisure projects designed by Zaha Hadid Architects as part of a masterplan for Lusail City in Qatar have gone into development, it has been announced. The first scheme is a 70,000sq m (753,500sq ft) hotel with residential apartments located in Lusail City’s Marina District. Set to be completed by 2020, the 38-storey project has been inspired by the structure of the Desert Hyacinth; a flowering plant native to the
Old Oak developers reveal leisure-focused masterplan for huge London scheme
by Kim Megson | 08 Jul 2016
A fourth public consultation is underway to determine the masterplan design of west London’s Old Oak and Park Royal Common; the UK’s largest regeneration project. Used car dealer Cargiant plans to build a canal-side new town on its 46 acres of land in Old Oak Park, which will unlock opportunities created by the area’s future transport links with Crossrail, HS2 and the Great Western Rail Line. Cargiant and development partner
Architects, developers and investors invited to declare interest in Hong Kong's 28 hectare Kai Tak Sports Park
by Kim Megson | 01 Jul 2016
The government of Hong Kong is seeking non-binding Expressions of Interest for a planned sports park in Kai Tak. Construction companies and joint ventures, investors, sports operators, facility managers and stadium architects are invited to make their interest in the project clear before 8 July 2016. The Kai Tak Sports Park is described by the government as “the most important investment in sports infrastructure in recent decades”. The site –
Towering aliens will take to streets of Toronto as developers push public art for placemaking
by Kim Megson | 22 Jun 2016
Toronto citizens will soon be able to take an intergalactic journey on their way to work, thanks to a sci-fi tinged public art installation that will encourage placemaking in one of the city’s burgeoning neighbourhoods. Artistic collective Blue Republic will create a pair of 15ft (4.5m) alien characters to stand guard over the cafes, offices and a new residential development on Redpath Street. The group won the contract after coming
Space Syntax launching training academy for urban planners, developers and architects
by Alice Davis | 09 Jun 2016
Urban planning expert Space Syntax is launching a range of specialised training courses to teach architecture industry professionals how to use and apply its longstanding approach in their own work. The Space Syntax Academy is being set up to share the same theories and methodologies that Space Syntax provides to its clients, who include Arup, Aedas, Wilkinson Eyre, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Foster + Partners, Rogers Stirk Harbour, Richard Rogers
NFL chooses unbuilt Atlanta and LA stadiums for future Super Bowls in boost for developers
by Matthew Campelli | 01 Jun 2016
Two yet-to-be-built stadiums have been selected to host the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl in 2019 and 2021. In a move which appears to encourage the development of new infrastructure, NFL owners plumped for Atlanta Falcons’ HOK-designed Mercedes-Benz Stadium – which is due to open its doors in 2017 – for the 2019 edition of the flagship match. The 2021 Super Bowl will be contested at the future home
Alejandro Aravena launches Venice Architecture Biennale with attack on developers who put profit before people
by Kim Megson | 26 May 2016
Alejandro Aravena has officially launched the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale by firing a broadside at decision makers and architects who put profit ahead of the public good when creating our built environments. “Banality and mediocrity in architecture are as damaging as not responding to basic needs,” said the Pritzker laureate at this morning’s (26 May) press conference for the festival, which he is curating. “Corporate architects [and developers] are the
EXCLUSIVE: MVRDV founders speak to CLAD about the importance of leisure architecture
by Kim Megson | 13 Apr 2016
The founding partners of Dutch studio MVRDV have told CLAD that architects and developers must consider including a leisure component when designing new structures in built environments. In an exclusive interview, Winy Maas, Nathalie de Vries and Jacob van Rijs, explained how their own work – including residential and commercial projects such as Rotterdam’s Market Hall – include leisure components to bring life to their surrounding locations. “Leisure is an
Peckham Coal Line: Elevated London park moves closer to reality as developers choose project architects
by Kim Megson | 29 Mar 2016
Plans for a new elevated urban park in London along an abandoned coal railway line, have advanced, with architects Adams & Sutherland selected to launch a feasibility study for the project. From April to November 2016, the practice – who designed the Greenway cycle network near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic park – will outline how best to transform the the disused 900m stretch of coal sidings in Peckham, southeast London,
Developers plan 'world's greenest resort' for Abu Dhabi desert oasis
by Kim Megson | 02 Mar 2016
Dubai developer Eco Resort Group and London studio Baharash Architecture have unveiled plans for “the world’s greenest resort” in an Abu Dhabi oasis. The Oasis Eco Resort, which is scheduled to open in the emirate’s Liwa region in 2020, will be powered by 157,000sq ft (14,500sq m) of solar panels and operate a wildlife conservation area. The design is built around the oasis’ spring, and water will be extracted from
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
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