europe news
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
by Kath Hudson | 01 Jun 2026
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
by Helen Andrews | 28 May 2026
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. The site will also have 60,000sq m of surrounding external space that will be developed as community gardens. Even compared to future sites in the Therme Group pipeline all over the world, the Manchester
Therme Group snaps up Europe’s largest thermal bathing complex, secures €320m in financing
by Megan Whitby | 11 Dec 2024
Global wellbeing organisation Therme Group has acquired Therme Erding – a vast 145,000sq ft wellbeing destination located near Munich in Germany. Recognised as one of Europe’s largest thermal wellbeing complexes, Therme Erding features a 40-pool bathing oasis, 35 steam baths and saunas and 28 indoor and outdoor slides. Founded by architect and entrepreneur Josef Wund in 1999, the facility has become a cornerstone of the European wellness industry. The acquisition
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
by Megan Whitby | 09 Apr 2024
Europe’s first Evian Spa has opened at the five-star Hôtel Royal in Evian-les-Bains, France – the birthplace of the mineral water brand. The spa has been realised following a comprehensive 12-month renovation of the hotel’s existing wellness facilities and was curated to capture the essence of revitalisation. Spanning 1,700sq m, the Evian Spa embraces the ethos of its namesake brand, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature's water cycle. Evian's
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
by Kath Hudson | 29 Dec 2023
Universal Studios is assessing the feasibility of opening its first European resort in the UK, following the purchase of a former brickworks in Bedfordshire. The theme park operator has confirmed it’s in the “very early stages of exploring the possibility of a potential park and resort experience in Bedford.” Parent company, Comcast Corporation has purchased the 480-acre site, which previously had planning permission for 1,000 homes. Universal Destinations and Experiences
Christoph Ingenhoven reveals Lanserhof Sylt, featuring the largest thatched roof in Europe
by Megan Whitby | 09 Jun 2022
Medical spa brand, Lanserhof Group, has welcomed the first guests to its all-new coastal health resort on the German island of Sylt. With plans for the 55-key property first revealed in 2017, Lanserhof has invested more than €120m (US$128.6m, £102.6m) to bring the property to fruition. Currently in a soft opening phase, Lanserhof Sylt joins the group’s four other properties: the original, Lans, in the Tyrol region of Austria; Lanserhof
HOK redesign of Manchester Arena could make it largest in Europe
by Tom Walker | 17 Mar 2020
ASM Global has revealed HOK -designed plans to increase the capacity at its Manchester Arena venue to 24,000, which would make it the largest arena in Europe. As well as the proposed increase to capacity, the plans include the creation of an additional concourse level to house VIP boxes and lounges, as well as food and drink outlets. A new "worker bee façade" – in honour of Manchester's symbol, the
Oak View Group's planned £350m arena will be one of Europe's biggest
by Stu Robarts | 10 Mar 2020
International sports and live entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG) has announced plans to build a £350m ($456m, €402m) arena in Manchester, UK, that will be the biggest in the country and one of the biggest in Europe. The arena is to be located in the Eastlands area of the city on the Etihad Campus, most of which belongs to City Football Group, who own Manchester City and "with the
Construction begins on longest cycling bridge in Europe
by Stu Robarts | 09 Mar 2020
Construction has begun on a bicycle and pedestrian bridge connecting the areas of Blauwestad and Winschoten in the Netherlands that, at 800m (2,600ft), will be the longest cycling bridge in Europe. Designed by Nol Molenaar, the Blauwe Loper (literally, 'the Blue Carpet') will span part of the Oldambtmeer artificial lake, the Winschoterdiep canal, the A7 road and a nature reserve, providing users with a variety of views. It was conceived
Plans submitted for one Europe's "biggest cultural projects"
by Stu Robarts | 14 Jan 2020
Plans for the £337m ($438m, €394m) Museum of London, designed by Stanton Williams, Asif Khan and Julian Harrap Architects, have been submitted to the City of London Corporation. Described as "one of the biggest cultural projects happening in Europe", the museum has been in development since 2015, with the Stanton Williams and Asif Khan-led team announced in 2016 and the designs revealed earlier this year. The facility is to be
Concept artwork revealed for "one of the most ambitious theme park projects ever in Europe"
by Lauren Heath-Jones | 09 Dec 2019
London Resort Holdings Company (LRCH) has revealed concept artwork for the first phase of a planned 535ac (217ha) resort that has been described as "one of the most ambitious theme park projects ever in Europe". Set to be located in the UK town of Swanscombe, 20 minutes from London, The London Resort will consist of six lands: The High Street, The Studios, The Woods, The Kingdom, The Isles, The Jungle
Palazzo Daniele named AHEAD Europe Hotel of the Year
by Stu Robarts | 22 Nov 2019
Palazzo Daniele, in Italy's Gagliano del Capo, has been named the best new hotel in Europe at the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design (AHEAD), also scooping the Guestrooms award. AHEAD comprises four annual, regional awards programmes with ceremonies in Singapore, Miami, Dubai and London. It celebrates the most outstanding new hospitality projects in each region and culminates in a global biennale. The nine-key hotel owned by GS Collection is
Mozzino's design for Europe's first UFC Gym encourages involvement
by Tom Walker | 22 Oct 2019
Design consultants Mozzino have created the first UFC Gym in Europe, with an open-plan layout aimed at fostering approachability and empowering gym users. Central to the 18,000sq ft (1,670sq m) studio is the UFC octagon-shaped ring for training work. The facility also features a bag area with 30 punch bags, soft turf and matted training areas, free weights and cardio sections, strength and conditioning equipment and a cryotherapy unit. A
DAP Group to design Europe's largest esports venue in Stockholm
by Tom Walker | 21 Oct 2019
Plans have been revealed to build Europe's largest esports gaming hub in the Swedish capital Stockholm. Space Digital Culture Centres (Space) – a Swedish property and entertainments venture set up to create hubs for gaming and music – plans to establish a permanent, 7,500sq m (80,700sq ft) esports venue covering seven floors. Space is headed by co-founders Gustav Käll, Lars Blomberg and Per Sundin. Käll is the head of esports-focused
Oktra designs 'best gym in Europe' for retail brand Gymshark
by Tom Walker | 30 Aug 2019
Fitness wear and apparel supplier Gymshark has opened its first Gymshark Lifting Club (GSLC), combining a studio and fitness centre with an innovation hub, focusing on employee wellbeing and brand innovation. Working in partnership with design and build company Oktra, the company has transformed a 55,000sq ft former warehouse facility into a complex featuring a large, 20,000sq ft health club and studio space – designed to be "the best in
Whey Aye: Europe's tallest observation wheel approved for Newcastle Quayside
by Tom Walker | 27 Jul 2019
Plans to build Europe’s tallest observation wheel in Newcastle, UK, have been given the green light by the city council. The 140m-tall Whey Aye – named after a popular phrase in the local dialect pronounced 'why eye', meaning 'yes' – is being developed by the World Wheel Company and is set to stand five metres taller than The London Eye. Designed by Concept I, the wheel will be built at
One&Only announces second European resort on Greece’s Kéa Island
by Jane Kitchen | 19 Jul 2019
Dolphin Capital Partners and Kerzner International Holdings Limited have broken ground on the site of One&Only Kéa Island in Greece. Situated in a 60-hectare beachfront site on the west side of Kéa Island, the ultra-luxury development on the Aegean Sea will encompass 75 resort villas, as well as a limited number of One&Only Private Homes for purchase. As part of the brand’s strategic expansion, One&Only Kéa Island will be the
Attention Lego lovers – Europe's first Lego waterpark will be built in Italy
by Tom Anstey | 08 Jul 2019
Architects who love Lego will be able to treat their families to a Lego holiday experience when a new Lego waterpark opens in Italy in 2020. Gardaland has announced plans to open Europe's first Lego-branded waterpark, designed by Merlin Magic Making, with the multi-million dollar development set to open its doors next year. Aimed at families with children aged two to twelve, the new addition to the Italian theme park
Grantley Hall hotel and wellness retreat wants to become one of Europe's top gym, spa, and wellness properties
by Lauren Heath-Jones | 06 Jul 2019
The Grade II listed, 17th century Grantley Hall hotel and wellness retreat will reopen today (6 July) near Ripon, UK. The property has undergone extensive renovation work over a three-and-a-half year period, with design by owner Valeria Sykes and now has a high-end gym, spa and a range of restaurants. The overarching vision is for the hotel to become one of Europe's top gym, spa, and wellness facilities. The property
Architects AW2 are working on the first Alila-branded resort in Europe, in Gruyère, Switzerland
by Jane Kitchen | 27 Jun 2019
Hyatt Hotels will bring the Alila brand to Europe for the first time by putting its name to the Golf Resort La Gruyère to create the Alila La Gruyère resort, which is set to open in Switzerland in 2023. Overlooking a picturesque lake, Alila La Gruyère will offer an 85-bed hotel and wellness retreat as well as a golf course by Robert Trent Jones Jr and a range of residences.
European bathing practices gaining traction in the US
by Jane Kitchen | 30 Apr 2019
US property developers are tapping the centuries-old bathing practices of Europe as they seek to differentiate their wellness amenities and increase wellness ROI, according to Design for Leisure (DFL), creators of hydrothermal spa and wellness areas. The company says more US hotels, resorts, spas, condo/apartment developers and luxury home owners are adding self-service hydrothermal bathing circuits like those typically found in European spas and bath houses. DFL has seen an
Montage announces plans to build Europe-inspired resort and social hub in Utah
by Andrew Manns | 19 Dec 2018
Global hotel management company Montage International has unveiled renderings of a luxury alpine retreat slated to rise in Park City, Utah – one of the world’s most popular ski-towns. Designed by global practice SB Architects, Pendry Residences, Park City will comprise three buildings and offer 150 ski-in, ski-out guestrooms, suites, and residential units. The future property, which will be operated by Pendry Hotels – one of Montage’s hospitality brands –
Europe’s largest wooden superstructure will rise in France
by Andrew Manns | 14 Nov 2018
A team led by French architecture firm Triptyque has designed Ecotone, a mixed-use development projected to become one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The €300m ($340m, £261.5m) project, which will feature biophilic and biomimetic elements – such as terraced hillsides inspired by bird and bee nests – will span 81,870 sq m and comprise a hotel and multipurpose sports hall, as well as fitness centres, restaurants, retail
Henn Architekten to lead redesign of Europe’s largest cultural centre
by Andrew Manns | 01 Nov 2018
German architectural firm Henn Architekten has been tapped to head up the redesign of the Gasteig, Europe’s largest cultural centre. Henn will spearhead the attraction's expansion, which will see the 30-year-old building gain a rooftop restaurant, multiple learning areas, and a 'cultural stage' atrium, which will feature as a multifunctional gathering and events space and accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The company nabbed the commission after beating out Stuttgart studios
Europe's tallest observation wheel planned for Newcastle
by Alice Davis | 21 May 2018
Forget the London Eye, Newcastle’s ‘Whey Aye’ is set to outdo its southern sibling by becoming Europe’s tallest observation wheel. The 140-metre-tall (459-foot) attraction, which will be located at the east end of the city’s Quayside and offer 30-minute “flights”, will be five metres taller than the London Eye and takes its nickname from the oft-heard Geordie phrase, “Whey aye, man”. Around the observation wheel – which is expected to
London's Design Museum crowned European Museum of the Year
by Tom Anstey | 15 May 2018
London's Design Museum has been named the winner of the European Museum of the Year Award. Moving to its new £85m (US$115m, €96.4m) home in Kensington's former Commonwealth Institute Building in 2016, the museum was reimagined by architecture firm OMA, along with Allies and Morrison and interior designer John Pawson. Since moving, the museum has become an "inspiring, socially-aware museum", according to the awarding judges, who also acknowledged the museum’s
Landmark Polish stadium reopens following addition of Europe’s largest polycarbonate roof
by Kim Megson | 25 Apr 2018
International architecture practice von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) have completed a conversion of Slaski Stadium in Chorzów, Poland, adding the largest translucent polycarbonate roof in Europe to the 50s-era landmark. The original building dates from 1956, and was design by architect Julian Brzuchowski and engineer Wiktor Pade. It was converted in the 1990s and served as a venue for music events, the Speedway motorcycle World Cup and as the
The Ned London named European Hotel of the Year at AHEAD Awards
by Kim Megson | 22 Nov 2017
An elegant London hotel situated in a converted former bank building has been named the best new hotel in Europe at a ceremony held by the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design (AHEAD). The Ned hotel, spa and club, with interiors designed by Alice Lund and architecture practice EPR, opened in April 2017. The creative team has transformed the Grade I-listed former Midland Bank Building to include 252 bedrooms, nine
Nobu's first European hotel fully opens in London's Shoreditch
by Kim Megson | 27 Oct 2017
The food and hospitality company founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, film producer Meir Teper and Hollywood legend Robert De Niro has officially launched its first European hotel in Shoreditch, London. The Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, located on Willow Street, features 148 bedrooms, a fine dining restaurant, a cocktail lounge and a fitness centre, all set within a strikingly jagged building created by Ben Adams Architects – developing an original vision conceived
Snøhetta create 'Europe's first underwater restaurant'
by Kim Megson | 23 Oct 2017
Snøhetta have revealed designs for the international architects' latest leisure project – the first underwater restaurant to open in Europe. Located at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coastline, the restaurant, called Under, will double as an aquarium and marine research centre. Snøhetta's design is inspired by the country's rocky coast, with a monolithic structure breaking from the surface of the sea to rest on the craggy shoreline. The bottom
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