4B Projects LLP

AFC Bournemouth has received planning approval from BCP Council for the enabling works associated with the South Stand expansion at the Vitality Stadium. This approval allows early works to progress and provides greater certainty around ground conditions and existing site constraints, helping reduce commercial risk ahead of the next construction phases.

4B is supporting the project as Cost Consultant and Employer’s Agent, working closely with the club, design team and contractor to help shape a stadium solution that balances buildability, risk and budget, while keeping the spectator experience front of mind.

We’re excited to be involved in this project and to support the scheme as it progresses through the early stages and beyond.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/01/22/bournemouth-receives-green-light-to-start-vitality-stadium-work/

Based on recent industry events and conversations within the sector, Partner Nicholas Fenech has highlighted several hospitality trends that will influence viability, delivery and guest experience in 2026.

At the moment there is a clear move towards the mid range and affordable market. This is where much of the growth is expected over the next five years. Alongside this, we are seeing a strong shift towards repurposing existing buildings into hotels. This approach reduces development risk, shortens delivery programmes and helps investors achieve a faster return on their investment. It is a practical response from a sector that remains positive but cautious.

Although panel discussions often reference challenges, the overall sentiment is optimistic. The area creating the most concern is operational cost. Construction costs are beginning to stabilise, which is welcome, but issues such as staff shortages, competition for talent, rising energy prices and regulatory pressures are having a far greater impact on viability. The hospitality business rate changes expected in the November budget are also a major point of discussion, with industry voices warning that hotels could face significant increases.

Guest expectations continue to evolve at pace. There is a rising focus on digital technology, smarter guest experiences and stronger ESG interventions. Fire Detection and Protection remains one of the most expensive and volatile packages, with costs still elevated following the sharp increase in 2022. Demand for leisure facilities such as gyms, pools and spas has also increased noticeably and is becoming an important factor in guest decision making.

Across the schemes we have worked on, one recurring challenge is early budget setting. Too often we are engaged after a budget has already been approved, and it quickly becomes clear that the figure does not reflect current market conditions. This creates a ripple effect throughout design and procurement. Even a short consultation with a QS at the beginning would avoid many of these issues and provide a far clearer foundation for the project team.

The hospitality sector is moving quickly, and the schemes that will perform best are those that set realistic budgets early, recognise the true operational pressures and respond to the way guests are choosing to use these spaces.

These trends reinforce why early, informed cost guidance remains essential, and it is an area where 4B continues to support clients with practical, real-world clarity.

👉 www.4bprojects.com

Mental health matters every day, not just on awareness days. 💚

Yesterday our team completed Mental Health First Aid training, a reminder of how important it is to look after both our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the people around us. In a fast paced life, it’s easy to miss the signs in others and in ourselves.

With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem each year in England, keeping the conversation open, supportive and stigma free is essential.

A huge thank you to Anne Thomas for delivering such an engaging and valuable session, and to Mind for the vital work they continue to do in supporting mental health across the UK.

At 4B, we’re committed to building teams where wellbeing sits alongside performance because strong foundations start with people.