investment news
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
by Liz Terry | 04 Jun 2026
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has unveiled its design for Eve Music Hall in Čepin, eastern Croatia, as construction progresses towards completion ahead of the opening, which is scheduled for March 2027. The 10,000sq m venue is being developed as a new cultural, entertainment and events destination for the Slavonia region and is BIG's first completed project in Croatia, as well as its first completed music performance venue. Designed to accommodate
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
by Liz Terry | 27 May 2026
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
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
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
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
by Liz Terry | 19 May 2026
Luxury members’ club Tramp has expanded into the fitness, health and wellness sector with the launch of Tramp Health, a 16,000sq ft high-end fitness and longevity club in London’s Mayfair. The new concept was created by Luca Maggiora, the entrepreneur who bought Tramp at the end of 2023 and represents a £10m investment. The new fitness, health and wellness club is being promoted by the company as the antithesis of the
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
by Liz Terry | 13 May 2026
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Hotel del Coronado unveils renovated spa after major investment. Partners with longevity platform Lumati
by Helen Andrews | 20 Jun 2025
Hotel del Coronado – known as “The Del” – in San Diego, is reopening its spa after a seven-year US$550 million (€448 million, £409 million) renovation of the historic property that first opened in 1888 and was the backdrop for the Marilyn Monroe film Some Like it Hot. The hotel’s renovation The restoration of the beachfront property, which first opened in 1888, has included upgrades for all areas of the
Futuroscope's immersive Aquascope waterpark is part of €304 million investment
by Rebecca Skeel | 01 Aug 2024
French theme park Futuroscope has opened its new 6,000sq m waterpark, featuring unique immersive aquatic experiences as part of a €304 million investment by the French government which supports the park as a regional wealth generator. The new €57m Aquascope waterpark features three zones. The Thrill Zone, with eight slides including a spiral slide that winds around the building, a vertical drop launch slide and two-lane racer slide. This zone
Canyon Ranch receives additional US$150m investment from VICI Properties to fund expansion
by Megan Whitby | 28 Jul 2023
Destination wellness brand Canyon Ranch has expanded its partnership with VICI Properties, an experiential-focused real estate investment trust, to expand its offering across North America and beyond. In 2023, The Canyon Ranch brand encompasses three destination wellness resorts in Tucson, Lenox (Massachusetts) and Woodside (California) respectively, as well as a day spa and fitness centre in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thanks to the recent deal, VICI has provided Canyon Ranch with
Solent University, UK, opens sports and fitness complex as part of £100m investment plan
by Tom Walker | 16 Jul 2019
Solent University, UK, has officially opened its new £28m sports and fitness centre. The centre houses two sports halls, three gyms and an indoor cycling studio. There are also two exercise studios, a physiotherapy treatment room and a dedicated basketball centre – one of only two of its kind in the UK. The university worked with Pulse Fitness on the design of the new facility, which is part of an
Investment: Boutique operator Solidcore accelerates expansion plans with custom concept
by Tom Walker | 20 May 2019
US-based boutique fitness operator Solidcore has revealed plans for five new clubs for New York City. Adding to its existing NYC flagship studio in Chelsea, the new locations will be situated in SoHo, NoMad (North of Madison Square Park), Williamsburg, Hell's Kitchen and NoLIta (North of Little Italy). The openings are part of Solidcore's commitment to open 100 studios in US markets by the end of 2020. It currently has
China's government plans US$19.5bn investment into Beihai tourism
by Tom Anstey | 18 Sep 2018
In a bid to boost tourism in the region, China's government has announced plans to invest CN¥134bn (US$19.5bn, €16.7bn, £14.8bn) across 17 major entertainment and culture projects on the South China coast. Based around the southern Chinese coastal city of Beihai, three of the projects are worth more than CN¥10bn (US$1.5bn, €1.3bn, £1.15bn), with a further seven costing between CN¥2bn (US$300m, €256.5m, £228.4m) and CN¥10bn. The final seven will be
Israel plans major investment to revamp Dead Sea resort area
by Kim Megson | 25 Jun 2018
According to media reports in Israel, the country’s government is planning to expand and upgrade the neglected Dead Sea resort area into “one of the world’s top tourism destinations.” National newspaper Haaretz reports that the District Planning Committee for the south has agreed to invest 1bn shekels (US$276m, €236m, £208m) in the scheme, which will upgrade the main hotel zones of Ein Bokek and Hamei Zohar, and link them as
Chelsea FC halt stadium project blaming 'unfavourable investment climate'
by Kim Megson | 31 May 2018
Chelsea Football Club has today (31 May) announced that it has put its new stadium project on hold, blaming “the current unfavourable investment climate.” According to the London club, no further pre-construction design and planning work will occur on the Stamford Bridge project, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, and no timeframe has been set for it to reconsider its decision. The 60,000-seat stadium was granted planning permission in
Saudi Arabia plans US$13.3bn investment into lifestyle destinations
by Tom Anstey | 04 May 2018
Saudi Arabia's government has revealed plans to invest SAR50bn (US$13.3bn, €11.2bn, £9.9bn) into entertainment, health, sports and education initiatives, as the country attempts to modernise and improve its citizens' quality of life. Announced yesterday (3 May) by the Kingdom's General Entertainment Authority (GEA), it is understood that the investment will generate upward of 300,000 jobs by 2020. “Government spending on the initiatives will total around 60 per cent of the
Mehrdad Yazdani: Design creativity and government investment essential to continue 'wonderful renaissance' of public realm
by Kim Megson | 27 Apr 2018
There has been “a wonderful renaissance” in public realm design, but a lack of meaningful investment threatens to hold back further progress. That is the view of Mehrdad Yazdani, design principal of Yazdani Studio at CannonDesign, who told CLADglobal that “the design community needs to lead the way in helping cities address issues” challenging the long-term success of great public spaces. “My team has worked on a vast array of
Investment group announces MX$550m theme park plans for Mexico
by Tom Anstey | 22 Jan 2018
A series of theme parks has been announced, to open in Mexico, with the first coming to Mexico City later this year at a cost of MX$550m (US$29.4m, €24m, £21.1m). Coming to the municipality of Iztapalapa on the east side of the Mexican capital, entertainment investment firm Grupo Diniz are behind the franchise, called Kataplum. Covering 27,000sq m (290,000sq ft), theme park attractions will be split into three areas covering
'Mega leisure': Zanzibar investment boom continues with US$1bn tropical community
by Kim Megson | 08 Aug 2017
Zanzibar’s accelerating development boom has taken yet another step forward, with the announcement of a new resort billed by its backers as “the largest premium hospitality investment and resort in East Africa” and featuring its own dedicated private airport. The Zanzibar Amber Resort has been conceived by real estate firm Pennyroyal Gibraltar Ltd. Development and South Africa’s Pam Golding Property group as a “luxury tropical community”, traversing 411 hectares developed
St Lucia launches public consultation for billion dollar 'Pearl of the Caribbean' resort
by Kim Megson | 23 Jan 2017
The government of Saint Lucia has launched a public consultation on its plans to green light a sport and leisure resort dubbed “the Pearl of the Caribbean”. The proposed project on the south of the island comprises a marina, a racecourse, a shopping mall, a casino, a Free Trade Zone, entertainment and leisure facilities, and a series of holiday villas and residential apartments. Government officials have joined with the Invest
Omani tourism investments continue with giant waterfront leisure development
by Tom Anstey | 09 Jan 2017
The Muscat National Development Company (ASAAS) is planning to develop a mixed-use waterfront project in Oman with multiple attractions as the country’s government continues on its plans to invest in its tourism sector. Situated in Barka, the cluster of attractions will include the theme park, in addition to a waterpark, wildlife park, equestrian centre and an Interactive science and technology edutainment centre. In addition to new attractions, the 1.5 million
Holmes Investment Properties backs David Lloyd's new adventure parks roll-out
by Deven Pamben | 29 Dec 2016
Entrepreneur David Lloyd is returning to the leisure industry with the launch of a new multi-activity concept - David Lloyd’s Adventure Parks. Lloyd is planning to open twelve venues by 2021, with business partners Holmes Investment Properties, as he aims to tap into the £4bn ($4.91bn; €4.69bn) UK entertainment and leisure sector. Each park is expected to cost, on average, £4-5m (US$4.9m-US$6.4m; €4.7m-€5.9m) to build. Eleven sites near cities and
Wanda expanding tourism empire with US$30bn investment
by Tom Anstey | 25 Nov 2016
Wanda has announced two US$15bn (€14.2bn, £12bn) development projects in China, signalling chair Wang Jianlin’s continued efforts to make Wanda the world’s largest tourism entity by 2020. The two major projects were both announced in the space of a week, with agreements signed between both China’s Shaanxi provincial government and Changsha municipal government to build theme parks, commercial centres and sports developments in Xi’an and Hunan Province. In Hunan, a
Public realm investment is 'good for business' says designer of Toronto's agora-inspired square
by Kim Megson | 30 Sep 2016
The architecture of the ancient Greeks has inspired the reinvention of Canada’s largest public square, the project’s design director has told CLAD. Andrew Frontini, a design director at global architecture studio Perkins and Will, was speaking after the practice won Canada’s top architecture accolade, the Governor General Award, for their renovation of Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. Frontini said the concept of the project was inspired by the traditional Greek
Property investment firm L&G commits £53m to Dover leisure scheme
by Kim Megson | 19 May 2016
Investment firm Legal & General Property has committed more than £53m (US$78m, €69m) to acquire and fund the development of a new retail and leisure scheme in the heart of Dover, UK. The project has been in the works for over a decade, and forms part of the local council’s regeneration work to support the coastal town’s growing population. Called St James, Dover, the project will provide 157,000sq ft (1.7m
Wanda Group to make multi-billion investment in Europa City
by Tom Anstey | 02 Mar 2016
The Wanda Group is to announce a multi-billion dollar investment into the currently under-development Europa City on the outskirts of Paris. The €3.1bn (US$3.5bn, £2.4bn) project – one of the largest ongoing leisure developments on the planet – is reportedly gaining investment from Wanda, China’s largest private property developer, and its owner Wang Jianlin. According to Variety, sources close to Wanda have said the company would confirm its role in
New £200m property investment fund has a lust for leisure
by Jak Phillips | 10 Aug 2015
A new £200m UK investment fund seeking opportunities to acquire leisure properties has completed its first three transactions and is on the hunt for further assets. Property investment company Otium Real Estate raised £200m in December 2014 for its leisure-focused fund Otium Leisure Ventures, which seeks to add value through active asset management. Exclusively targeting leisure real estate – such as leisure parks, city centre leisure blocks and stand-alone assets
Wanda challenges Disney: plans massive investment programme
by Tom Anstey | 03 Aug 2015
China’s largest private property developer is aiming to surpass Disney as the world’s largest tourism enterprise by 2020, aiming to welcome more than 200 million people and earn annual tourism income in excess of CN¥100bn (US$16.1bn, €14.6bn, £10.3bn) with its ‘Wanda city’ plan. Speaking at the China International Tourism Investment Conference, Wanda chair Wang Jianlin outlined the ambitious goal to overtake Disney, with plans to set up culture and tourism
Sydney set to consider AU$1.2bn investment in two new stadiums
by Tom Walker | 05 May 2015
Plans to redevelop two existing stadiums in Sydney, Australia could be scrapped and replaced by a scheme to build two new major venues – at double the cost. The New South Wales (NSW) state government had previously earmarked AU$600m from the sale of the state's electricity assets in order to upgrade the city’s two major sporting venues – the ANZ Stadium and Allianz Stadium. But rather than redeveloping the two
US$3bn Tahitian Mahana Beach Resort and Spa secures investment partners
by Helen Andrews | 20 Apr 2015
Hawaiian design firm G70 International (G70) has secured investment deals with a number of companies in the US, Tahiti, China, France and Mexico to work on the 130-acre (53-hectare) Tahiti Mahana Beach Resort and Spa. Commitments from these sources add up to more than US$3bn (€2.8bn, £2bn). In July 2014, G70 was awarded the contract for the resort, which is also backed by the French Polynesian government. The design practice
Starwood announces 40 European hotels as Hotel Investment Forum kicks off in Berlin
by Jak Phillips | 02 Mar 2015
The International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) got off to a bang today (2 March), with Starwood announcing that it is on course to open more than 40 new hotels and resorts across Europe in the next five years. The hotel giant – which recently saw CEO, president and director Frits van Paasschen resign “by mutual agreement” – will concentrate on a combination of fast-growing and established markets as part of
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features
"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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