Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has unveiled plans for two major logistics projects in the East Midlands, adding more than 1.5 million sq ft of new space to its UK pipeline. The first development, on an 80-acre site west of Northampton, recently secured hybrid planning consent at
Mace Construct has been appointed as the main contractor for one of the City of London’s most anticipated developments, a 30-storey tower set to rise at 85 Gracechurch Street beside the historic Leadenhall Market. Commissioned by Hertshten Properties, the Woods Bagot-designed scheme will deliver around 235,000 sq ft of prime
The transformation of the former Filton Airfield into one of the South West’s most ambitious new communities has taken another step forward, with YTL winning approval for Brabazon’s first major office building. Construction on the eight-storey, 123,330 sq ft development is expected to begin before the close of 2025, marking
Ikea has opened its first Brighton store, marking the retailer’s third UK venture into city centre shopping destinations. Located within the former Debenhams unit at Churchill Square Shopping Centre, the 6,695 sq ft store spans two floors and focuses on home furnishing accessories and small furniture. Larger items can be
Work is set to begin on a £59 million transport project that will link Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. Renfrewshire Council’s AMIDS South project has secured £38.7 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, alongside £18.8 million committed by the
Chapmanbdsp has appointed Chris Kirkland as Project Director, Head of Workplace, leading the company’s Middle East commercial fit-out and corporate workplace offering, further growing its expanding team. With over 26 years in the industry, Chris brings extensive experience delivering high-profile corporate office projects across the UK and the Middle East.
Arfon Engineering, part of the Wilo group, has appointed Alice Oakes as service and support manager to lead the launch of an end-to-end solution tailored for the data centre sector. Alice brings with her over a decade of experience in both the pump and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) industries.
Staffordshire Campus Living, the joint venture partnership between the University of Staffordshire, HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions (HOCHTIEF) and investor Plenary, has celebrated topping out the new 21,000 sq ft student village hub at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus. Built by Willmott Dixon and designed by Corstorphine & Wright, the Village Hub has
Heathrow Airport has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver the redevelopment of its Eastern Business Park, a 1.6-hectare site being transformed into a state-of-the-art logistics hub. The £multi-million project will see the creation of four modern warehouse buildings, split into 32 flexible units ranging between 200 and 400 sq m at
By BCO Media London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. Those were some of the key takeaways from the recent BCO NextGen London & South
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has unveiled plans for two major logistics projects in the East Midlands, adding more than 1.5 million sq ft of new space to its UK pipeline. The first development, on an 80-acre site west of Northampton, recently secured hybrid planning consent at appeal. The scheme will deliver three Grade A units of 223,269 sq ft, 361,724 sq ft and 412,073 sq ft, strategically located just five miles from Junction 15A of the M1 at the A43/A5 interchange. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with completion expected by the second half of 2028. The investment is valued at approximately £152.9 million. The second site, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, sits just 1.25 miles from the A1 and 10 miles from Junction 31 of the M1, offering excellent links across Yorkshire and the East Midlands. With outline planning consent already secured, the 27-acre site will accommodate a single 462,000 sq ft unit, available for lease. Backed by an investment of around £50.7 million, construction is due to start in early 2026 and complete in 2027. Worksop is recognised as a thriving logistics hub, supported by strong occupier demand, competitive rental levels and a readily available workforce. Major operators, including DHL and B&Q, already operate large-scale distribution facilities nearby. Both sites will be built to Panattoni’s highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A ratings and net zero carbon in construction. Key features include PV solar systems, EV charging points, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. Andrew Preston, Head of Development: North Midlands & Yorkshire, said: “This new site in Worksop is a rare opportunity to deliver a large-scale, best-in-class logistics unit in an area of proven demand. The location and infrastructure make it ideal for rapid delivery, and we’re excited to bring forward a highly sustainable scheme that aligns with market needs and our ESG commitments.” Gregg Titley, Head of Development: East & West Midlands, added: “Expanding again in Northampton strengthens our long-term strategy to grow in key logistics corridors where supply is constrained. This is a prime site with exceptional transport links, and we are proud to be delivering a landmark development that will serve as a gateway hub for the Midlands and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace Construct has been appointed as the main contractor for one of the City of London’s most anticipated developments, a 30-storey tower set to rise at 85 Gracechurch Street beside the historic Leadenhall Market. Commissioned by Hertshten Properties, the Woods Bagot-designed scheme will deliver around 235,000 sq ft of prime office space, replacing a 1930s block within the Leadenhall conservation area. The tower is designed to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification, with an all-electric energy strategy, advanced mechanical systems, natural ventilation, and a commitment to urban greening. The site itself is steeped in history. Excavations have uncovered substantial remains of London’s first Roman Basilica. These will be preserved and displayed in situ as a new visitor attraction, curated in partnership with the Museum of London. This heritage element has shaped both the planning process and the design of the new building. Mace has now entered the pre-construction services agreement phase, with completion scheduled for 2030. Ged Simmonds, managing director of Mace Construct, commented: “85 Gracechurch Street represents a rare opportunity to create a sustainable, forward-looking office development that remains sensitive to its historic surroundings. Our focus is on collaborating with Hertshten Properties and the project team to deliver a building that enhances the City and supports the needs of future occupiers.” Ron Hertshten, chief executive of Hertshten Properties UK, added: “This project will deliver a state-of-the-art office building with approximately 235,000 sq ft of premium workspace and exceptional amenities. Designed to set new standards in sustainability, it will be a benchmark development for the City of London. With Mace’s extensive experience in complex, high-profile projects, we are confident in their ability to bring our vision to life.” The tower at 85 Gracechurch Street is set to become a landmark addition to the City, blending cutting-edge sustainable design with London’s deep-rooted history. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The transformation of the former Filton Airfield into one of the South West’s most ambitious new communities has taken another step forward, with YTL winning approval for Brabazon’s first major office building. Construction on the eight-storey, 123,330 sq ft development is expected to begin before the close of 2025, marking the start of a commercial chapter for the emerging neighbourhood. Positioned beside the new Brabazon railway station, the building will serve as both a workplace hub and a gateway for passengers arriving into the development by train. The Brabazon masterplan, overseen by Malaysian-owned YTL Developments, is nothing if not expansive. It promises thousands of homes, student accommodation, and sweeping green spaces, all built across the historic airfield that once saw the Concorde take to the skies. The forthcoming office will be the first of its kind on the site, designed to appeal to businesses seeking premium space without the constraints of Bristol’s city centre. Sustainability is at the heart of the project. Designs by AHR Architects target an EPC A rating and BREEAM Outstanding certification, alongside NABERS 5* and WiredScore Platinum standards for energy efficiency and digital connectivity. The building will also house a ticket office for the adjacent rail station, integrating public transport access directly into its footprint. The rail link itself is a key part of Brabazon’s vision. Work began earlier this year, with completion set for 2026, promising a direct and sustainable connection into Bristol’s core. For companies considering relocation, the combination of modern office space and rail accessibility could prove decisive. Seb Loyn, planning and development director at YTL Developments, believes momentum is now firmly on Brabazon’s side. “We’re creating more than just new homes,” he said. “We’re establishing a place where people can live, work, and connect. This first office building gives Bristol’s businesses a genuine alternative — a sustainable, well-connected space to grow.” With Waitrose already confirmed as an anchor retail tenant and new community amenities under way, Brabazon is rapidly taking shape as a mixed-use destination. Hundreds of homes have been completed and are now occupied, and by 2026 the site will also boast student housing and a repurposed aircraft hangar serving as a community hub. For a city wrestling with a shortage of Grade A office space, the arrival of Brabazon’s first commercial building is timely. It signals not only YTL’s commitment to the project but also the evolving identity of the development — from a residential expansion into a full-scale urban district with a strong business presence. If the project maintains its current pace, Brabazon will soon offer Bristol a rare combination: the quality and amenities of a city-centre location, with the space and transport links of a purpose-built new town. For local businesses looking beyond the confines of central Bristol, that could prove an irresistible proposition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ikea has opened its first Brighton store, marking the retailer’s third UK venture into city centre shopping destinations. Located within the former Debenhams unit at Churchill Square Shopping Centre, the 6,695 sq ft store spans two floors and focuses on home furnishing accessories and small furniture. Larger items can be ordered in-store for home delivery or collection, making it easier for city residents to access Ikea’s full range. The new store features inspirational roomsets, a market hall, planning consultations for kitchens and bedroom storage, and a dedicated area for second-hand products. Customers can also enjoy Ikea’s dining offer, with a 100-seat Swedish Deli restaurant at the heart of the space. Karina Gilpin, manager at Ikea Brighton, said: “This opening reflects our commitment to making Ikea more accessible to people living in city locations. We want to bring convenience, choice and inspiration closer to where our customers live and work.” Mark Buchanan-Smith, Meeting Place manager at Churchill Square, added: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Ikea to Churchill Square as it opens its very first store in Brighton. This long-anticipated moment marks a significant milestone for the city and reflects what our community has been asking for. Ikea will become a crucial part of our Meeting Place experience – helping us create a vibrant destination where people come together to shop, eat, and enjoy meaningful moments in the heart of Brighton & Hove.” The opening follows Ingka Investments’ acquisition of Churchill Square Shopping Centre in 2023 and underlines Ikea’s continued focus on expanding into urban high streets and shopping centres across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is set to begin on a £59 million transport project that will link Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. Renfrewshire Council’s AMIDS South project has secured £38.7 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, alongside £18.8 million committed by the Council. The investment will deliver a new road bridge across Paisley Harbour, a 1.7km gateway route along the White Cart river, and a network of roads, cycleways and walking links stretching from the town centre’s transport hubs to AMIDS, Glasgow Airport and Inchinnan. The scheme also includes a new road connecting Renfrew Road to the bridge crossing, which will serve the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus. Dedicated walking and cycling routes are also planned, along with a safe access link from Gallowhill via the underpass on the former railway line, supported by £1.5 million from Transport Scotland. Economic forecasts suggest the project could stimulate an additional £136 million in private sector investment, cut carbon emissions by 21,700 tonnes, and create new job opportunities while enabling existing and future businesses to expand. Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “AMIDS is one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire’s recent history as it will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and provide a significant boost to the area’s economy so it is important that we provide the appropriate access to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation. “This project will not only provide infrastructure to better connect communities to education and employment opportunities, but it will also significantly improve the offer to organisations looking to locate here with enhanced access to the airport and the fourth-busiest train station in Scotland. “This will be another flagship project for Renfrewshire following the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which included the new Renfrew Bridge, and will be further proof of the Council’s ability to successfully deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects which bring substantial benefits now and for generations to come.” The new scheme will complement the recently completed Renfrew Bridge, linking Renfrew with Clydebank, Yoker and the wider Glasgow City Region. Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood added: “Backed by over £38 million in Government funding, this flagship project will deliver a major boost for Paisley and for Scotland as a whole. “The new bridge will provide safer, better-connected transport links for local people, businesses and schools, while driving economic growth and creating thousands of new jobs – a key part of our Plan for Change.” Farrans Construction has been appointed to deliver the project, with completion expected in 2028. Patrick Murray, Scotland’s Regional Director for Farrans, said: “AMIDS South is a project which will deliver major economic and connectivity benefits for the town of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire, and we are looking forward to getting work started on site. “Our experienced team has recently completed the highly successful Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow and we have a long history of projects in the transportation sector in Scotland including Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven in joint venture as SFN, M80 Stepps to Haggs and the A737 Dalry Bypass in Ayrshire. We are working through the final stages of preparation with our client Renfrewshire Council and will be engaging on the ground with local stakeholders shortly.” AMIDS South forms the next phase of Renfrewshire Council’s capital investment programme, which has already delivered the award-winning refurbishment of Paisley Town Hall, the renovation of Paisley Arts Centre, creation of the Learning and Cultural Hub, and the near-complete transformation of Paisley Museum. The Council has also committed major long-term investments in Renfrewshire’s roads, pathways and schools, including a ten-year, £90 million programme for roads and up to £170 million for new education facilities. For more information on the AMIDS South project, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/AMIDS-South. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chapmanbdsp has appointed Chris Kirkland as Project Director, Head of Workplace, leading the company’s Middle East commercial fit-out and corporate workplace offering, further growing its expanding team. With over 26 years in the industry, Chris brings extensive experience delivering high-profile corporate office projects across the UK and the Middle East. Starting his career as an apprentice in Edinburgh in 1999, Chris progressed through senior roles across five companies, spending over a decade in the UAE region. Between 2010 and 2025 Chris has successfully led over 80 corporate workplace office fitout projects across the Middle East in the capacity of Project Lead and Project Director, working with multinational corporates, government entities, and major developers. Chris’ career has been founded on both his ability to create long-standing, trustworthy client relationships and his deep knowledge of commercial fit-outs, particularly in the Middle East. His network within the UAE’s real estate and construction sectors, built over many years, will be central to Chapmanbdsp’s strategy for expanding its workplace offering. In his new role, Chris will focus on building on Chapmanbdsp’s strong position in the market, supporting existing clients while driving growth in the global corporate real estate sector. His ambition is to position the already established practice as the go-to MEP consultancy for commercial workplace projects in the UAE. Commenting on his appointment, Chris said: “Chapmanbdsp already is a respected name in the market, and I’m excited to build on that legacy. My aim is to strengthen our client relationships, grow our network, and deliver workplace projects that meet the evolving needs of businesses in the Middle East. This region moves quickly, and our approach will be to combine technical excellence with agility and strong collaboration.” Chris also sees sustainability and workplace strategy as key growth areas for the sector: “ESG is becoming a real driver for projects here, and we’re now seeing sustainability targets heavily influencing corporate real estate decisions. In the Middle East, that means finding innovative ways to meet global standards while navigating the unique challenges of the region’s supply chains and fast-track delivery models.” Ray Upjohn, CEO of chapmanbdsp, comments, “We welcome Chris to the chapmanbdsp team. With his impressive track record in Commercial office fit-out within global engineering consultancies, we feel he is the perfect addition to further drive our workplace offer in the Middle East, working closely with our London team to further service our clients across EMEA.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Arfon Engineering, part of the Wilo group, has appointed Alice Oakes as service and support manager to lead the launch of an end-to-end solution tailored for the data centre sector. Alice brings with her over a decade of experience in both the pump and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) industries. During this time, she has held various sales, supply chain and project management roles. She will now liaise with data centre operators and facilities managers across the nation to facilitate the shift from reactive maintenance to online condition-based monitoring. Her appointment comes amid the launch of a bespoke one-stop package from Arfon and Wilo. Decisionmakers can turn to Wilo for the specification and supply of its industry-leading pumps, which play a crucial role in maintaining 99.999% availability in data centres by circulating cooling fluids in various configurations. Arfon, meanwhile, will maintain and repair any mechanical rotating equipment found in data centres, from pumps and fans to chillers and generators, regardless of their brand, 24/7 and 365 days a year. It will also implement real-time monitoring to detect anomalies before they lead to failures and unplanned downtime. After more than half (54%) of respondents to Uptime Intelligence’s annual survey reported their most recent significant outage to have cost more than $100,000[1], online condition-based monitoring is becoming essential for operators seeking to mitigate risk and protect uptime. Alice said: “Data centres are a critical component of our day-to-day lives and downtime is simply not an option. With the sector set for exponential growth over the coming decades, the shift away from preventative to predictive maintenance has never been more important. “Although more businesses are starting to adopt condition-based monitoring, it is often seen as an operating expense and incorporated too late when the data centre is already in operation and the risks of downtime already present. Rather than this, we encourage businesses to see it as a strategic investment from the outset in maintaining uptime and integrated resilience. “For new entrants to the sector, implementing real-time monitoring at the planning stage can ensure that from the get-go, a data centre can operate without the fear of significant reputational damage and financial hits that come with unplanned outages. By offering this solution alongside the specification of pumps and guarantee of maintenance and repairs, our goal is to make this transition seamless.” Alice’s call-to-action similarly applies to existing data centres, particularly those with ageing mission-critical assets that are at a heightened risk of failing. With 66% of operators planning to retrofit at least a quarter of their data centre estate in the next five years[2], she believes that proactive monitoring and maintenance should not be optional for mission critical assets. “Retrofitting data centres shouldn’t solely revolve around replacing old equipment, operators must reconsider how to best manage it,” she added. “By embedding condition-based monitoring into these upgrades, they can gain greater control over assets, both existing and new, and as a result reduce the risk of costly service-led agreement breaches, all while guaranteeing continuous improvement and future resilience” Discover more about Arfon Engineering’s services for the data centre sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Staffordshire Campus Living, the joint venture partnership between the University of Staffordshire, HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions (HOCHTIEF) and investor Plenary, has celebrated topping out the new 21,000 sq ft student village hub at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus. Built by Willmott Dixon and designed by Corstorphine & Wright, the Village Hub has reached its highest point in construction. When complete it will include accessible and low energy study spaces, social and welfare facilities as well as student accommodation services over four levels. Work has also started on the residential phases of the development which includes 700 new build student bedrooms in cluster blocks and town houses, as well as the refurbishment of a further 300 bedrooms of existing student accommodation. A new footbridge and boardwalk across the River Trent will link the student village to the University campus and the full project delivery is targeted for completion in time for the student intake in September 2026. HOCHTIEF was awarded the contract twelve months ago by the University of Staffordshire to design, build, finance and operate the student village and Willmott Dixon has made swift progress on delivery to date. At the topping out event a plaque was presented by Chris White, Construction Manager for Willmott Dixon to Professor Martin Jones, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Staffordshire. Professor Jones said: “With sustainability and well-being at its heart, the Student Village will provide more than high-quality accommodation — it will create a vibrant campus community where students can connect, grow and achieve their best. It is incredibly exciting to see the project’s progress and we can’t wait to welcome students into the Student Village when it is completed next year.” Ian Prescott, managing director of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions UK and Ireland added: “We are very proud to reach this first significant milestone just twelve months since being awarded the contract by the University of Staffordshire. We have developed a low energy and low carbon solution for the entire village, ensuring sustainability and carbon reduction are at the heart of the design, build and operation, in line with the University’s carbon neutral targets for 2030. We’re looking forward to seeing the Village Hub and student accommodation used and enjoyed by students next Autumn term.” Paul Crowe, CEO of Plenary Group said: “We are excited to be collaborating with the University and the other partners on our first UK project. I’ve seen first-hand the strong progress that has been made and look forward to seeing that good work continue as the project team works towards realising the University’s vision.” Dan Doyle, Operations Director from Willmott Dixon added: “Topping out of the Village Hub marks a proud milestone on a project that’s already creating a lasting legacy, not just for the University of Staffordshire, but for the wider community of Stoke-on-Trent. The Village Hub, and the wider Student Village development, are supporting local jobs, enriching lives, providing work experience opportunities for local young people and are ultimately strengthening connections between the University and the people of Stoke-on-Trent. We’re incredibly proud of the positive impact this project is already having, and will continue to have, for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heathrow Airport has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver the redevelopment of its Eastern Business Park, a 1.6-hectare site being transformed into a state-of-the-art logistics hub. The £multi-million project will see the creation of four modern warehouse buildings, split into 32 flexible units ranging between 200 and 400 sq m at ground level, with the potential for occupiers to expand into full first floors. The development replaces the site’s original post-war buildings, constructed in the 1950s and recently demolished, with a new generation of sustainable Grade A logistics space. In line with Heathrow’s commitment to lower-carbon development, most building elements will be manufactured offsite before being transported and assembled on site. The scheme includes 16-metre continuous roof panels incorporating gutters and solar arrays, cross-laminated timber roof sections, and a pre-assembled steel frame designed for efficient installation. Together, these features will help the buildings generate over 700kWh of renewable electricity annually, exporting surplus power back into Heathrow’s network. Construction will take place over a 12–18 month period within the constraints of a live operational airport. The site presents a number of complexities, including obstacle limitation surface (OLS) height restrictions ranging from nine to 13.5 metres, as well as essential services running beneath the development. McLaren has worked closely with Heathrow to design a safe and cost-effective methodology that avoids the need for out-of-hours working while ensuring programme certainty. David Gavin, McLaren Construction’s managing director for industrial and logistics, said: “Heathrow’s role as a global hub creates huge opportunities not only in cargo handling but also for the many services that keep the airport running. This redevelopment is a step change from the site’s post-war buildings, delivering flexible, sustainable warehouses that will play an integral part in the airport’s future infrastructure.” Alistair Awcock, infrastructure director for Heathrow, added: “This investment will provide prime logistics accommodation for our partners while modernising and strengthening our perimeter property portfolio. It underlines our commitment to customer service and to creating modern, sustainable facilities at the heart of the airport.” The project, supported by a specialist subcontractor team, is expected to complete in summer 2026 and stands as one of Heathrow’s spotlight schemes demonstrating new approaches to low-carbon construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By BCO Media London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. Those were some of the key takeaways from the recent BCO NextGen London & South East Committee and Carter Jonas hosted Q2 Market Update webinar. The session, which took place on 12 August, offered a detailed analysis of the Central London office market from the occupier’s perspective, focusing on demand dynamics, supply constraints, and future outlook. The panel was hosted by Carter Jonas’s Lucy Atkins (BCO NextGen London & South East Committee member) and feature expert insights from research associate Sophie Davidson, head of research Daniel Francis, and head of tenant representation Michael Pain. Francis presented a macroeconomic overview, noting that while UK growth remains subdued, London continued to outperform. He highlighted that London’s economic growth had historically averaged 2.5% annually, compared with 2% for the UK as a whole. “London’s resilience is underpinned by strong infrastructure investment, population growth, and a robust office-based employment forecast,” said Francis. He projected 460,000 new office-based jobs in Greater London over the next decade, driven by professional services and tech sectors. Pain said that while demand for office space was strong, occupiers were focused on three key drivers: sustainability, employee experience, and talent attraction. Businesses are increasingly relocating to Grade A buildings with strong environmental credentials, he said, using high-quality office space to foster collaboration and support recruitment. Pain also noted the rise of landlord-funded fit-outs, which offer tenants turnkey solutions and reduce upfront capital expenditure. Supply, of course, remains a critical issue, said Carter Jonas. The market is experiencing a shortage of new and refurbished Grade A space, exacerbated by rising development costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory pressures. This imbalance has led to significant rental growth, particularly in the West End, where headline rents have reached £167.50 per sq ft, with some deals exceeding £215 per sq ft. Rent-free periods have remained stable, as landlords prioritise headline rents to support investment valuations. Davidson, said there had been a 6% rise in net effective rents across central London, led by the West End, which reported a 8.1% rise and the City, up by 7.5%. Net effective rents take into account rent free periods. Districts such as Marylebone and Mayfair saw the strongest growth, driven by limited availability and pre-letting activity. The panel also discussed the impact of upcoming EPC regulations and their influence on lease lengths and investment risk. Davidson noted that 80% of London’s office stock could become non-compliant by 2030, prompting tenants to secure long-term leases in sustainable buildings now. What was clear from the data presented was London’s enduring appeal and adaptability for both occupiers and investors. “London’s ability to consistently outperform the UK economy is not accidental,” concluded Francis, “It’s the result of strategic investment, global connectivity, and a dynamic workforce. That growth story is far from over.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals News from the British Council for Offices news site.