Lazari has appointed Vert Projects as main contractor for a major refurbishment of the landmark Carreras building at Mornington Crescent, creating a new generation of workspace and amenities within one of London’s most distinctive Art Deco buildings. Formerly known as Greater London House, the building is instantly recognisable for its Egyptian-inspired façade and prominent location between Euston, King’s Cross and Camden. Originally constructed as the Carreras Black Cat cigarette factory, the property was first converted into office accommodation in 1958. The latest transformation has been designed by architects dMFK and will significantly upgrade the building’s workplace, hospitality, public-facing and external amenity spaces while retaining the architectural character that has made it a local landmark. At ground level, the project will introduce a new entrance alongside a 6,458 sq ft reception and lounge area. New food and beverage hospitality space and communal co-working facilities will also form part of the refurbishment, supporting a more flexible and contemporary workplace environment. The existing lightwells will be transformed into external areas for working and relaxation, while the sixth floor will feature a substantial 5,866 sq ft roof garden. Sustainability, biodiversity and urban greening will play an important role in the rooftop transformation. The redesigned garden will incorporate photovoltaic panels alongside new planting, climbers, green walls and a green roof, significantly increasing the amount of greenery across the building. Lazari also intends to use the refurbishment to improve accessibility and strengthen the relationship between the property and its surrounding streets, creating a greener and more welcoming appearance around the building. The latest investment represents another chapter in Lazari’s long-term stewardship of the property. The company acquired Greater London House in August 2007 before completing its first significant internal reconstruction in 2019. The building has since attracted major occupiers including ASOS. The refurbishment of the fashion retailer’s workspace, designed by Spacelab, subsequently won the British Council for Offices Regional Award for Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace in 2022. Vert Projects is delivering the latest scheme under a design and build contract, supported by a specialist construction and engineering supply chain. Gibberd Architects has been appointed to provide architectural services, with KPA Electrical responsible for electrical design and build and ODH Services delivering the mechanical package. Northvale Construction will undertake demolition works, while Frixos Metalworks has been appointed for structural and architectural metalwork. Further supply chain appointments are expected as the project progresses. The refurbishment is scheduled for completion in autumn 2027. By combining the reuse of an established London office building with new workplace amenities, hospitality, landscaping and renewable energy measures, the project will provide a significant upgrade to the Carreras building while preserving the distinctive architectural identity of one of the capital’s best-known Art Deco landmarks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Endurance Land has appointed Multiplex as main contractor for 99 City Road, a major 36-storey office development set to create a new landmark on the northern edge of the City of London. Part of Nan Fung Group, Endurance Land is progressing the high-rise commercial scheme with an experienced design and engineering team led by architect Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). AKT II is providing structural engineering expertise, while Arup is advising on mechanical, electrical and public health services alongside sustainability. Designed as a next-generation workplace, 99 City Road will provide office accommodation for around 4,000 people, adding significant new Grade A commercial floorspace to an area benefiting from continued investment and regeneration. Sustainability and building performance will form a major part of the development. The project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and a NABERS 5-star rating, alongside SmartScore and WiredScore Platinum certifications, placing energy efficiency, connectivity and smart building technology at the heart of the design. Multiplex’s appointment follows its earlier involvement with the project as Construction Partner under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement. This pre-construction phase has enabled the contractor to work alongside Endurance Land and the wider consultant team ahead of the main construction programme, supporting design development, buildability and delivery planning for the complex high-rise scheme. The contract also represents the second major collaboration between Endurance Land and Multiplex. The contractor recently completed Jahn Court and Brassworks at Regent Quarter, another significant Endurance Land development. The scheme has subsequently been leased to OpenAI and is expected to open in 2027. The appointment to 99 City Road therefore builds on an established relationship between the developer and contractor, with Multiplex bringing its experience of delivering complex commercial towers and major central London developments to the project. With KPF, AKT II and Arup forming part of the professional team, the development brings together architecture, structural engineering, building services and sustainability expertise as Endurance Land looks to create a high-performing workplace capable of meeting the evolving requirements of major occupiers. The project also reflects continued confidence in London’s premium office market, where developers are increasingly focusing investment on highly sustainable, technologically advanced buildings offering strong environmental performance and high-quality working environments. Once delivered, the 36-storey 99 City Road will provide a substantial new commercial destination for thousands of workers while adding another major high-rise development to the evolving skyline around the northern edge of the City. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans have been submitted for a landmark office development at Newcastle’s £70 million One Founders Place regeneration scheme, marking the next major phase in the transformation of one of the city’s most historic industrial sites. Submitted by Founders Place LLP, a joint venture between igloo and Newcastle City Council, the proposals centre on a striking 12-storey, 185,000 sq ft Grade A office building designed by acclaimed architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM). The development is intended to deliver high-quality, sustainable workspace while creating a vibrant mixed-use destination that blends modern commercial accommodation with new public realm and heritage-led regeneration. A key feature of the proposals is Founders Square, one of Newcastle’s most significant new civic spaces. The landscaped public square will transform an area currently lacking a major public gathering place, helping to create a welcoming environment for workers, residents and visitors while strengthening links across the wider city centre. For the construction and commercial property sectors, the scheme represents another significant investment in Newcastle’s office market, responding to growing demand for high-quality, environmentally sustainable workplaces capable of attracting businesses and supporting long-term economic growth. Construction of the office building is expected to support around 300 jobs over the two-year build programme, providing a further boost to the regional construction industry and local supply chain. The latest proposals build on the success of the wider One Founders Place masterplan, which is steadily transforming the historic Robert Stephenson & Co. locomotive works into a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood. The first completed phase, The Pattern Shop, opened in 2024 and is now fully occupied by Atom Bank, demonstrating strong demand for premium workspace within the regeneration scheme. Alongside the commercial development, Orchard Yard will deliver 79 new homes comprising apartments, duplexes and family houses, complemented by commercial space within the restored listed Machine Shop and Smiths Shop buildings. Elsewhere on the site, the Grade II-listed Coppersmiths Shop, another important part of the former Robert Stephenson works, is currently being assessed for future redevelopment opportunities as the masterplan continues to evolve. Joe Broadley, Development Director at igloo, said: “One Founders Place is about much more than delivering a high-quality office scheme – it’s about creating a destination that reflects Newcastle’s rich industrial heritage while providing the sustainable workplaces and welcoming public spaces that modern cities need to thrive. “This investment is helping to attract new businesses, support skilled jobs and create a bustling city neighbourhood where people want to work, meet and spend time. By combining exceptional workspace with high-quality public realm, we’re creating a place that will contribute to Newcastle’s long-term economic growth while celebrating the history that makes this location so distinctive.” As Newcastle continues to invest in city centre regeneration, One Founders Place is emerging as a flagship mixed-use development, combining commercial offices, residential accommodation, heritage restoration and public spaces to create a dynamic new destination that celebrates the city’s industrial legacy while supporting its future growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The office agency team at leading commercial real estate firm, CBRE, has been appointed to sell the Old Stock Exchange building, located in the heart of Birmingham’s commercial district.    Comprising six storeys and a basement, the 26,065 sq ft, self-contained office building is currently vacant and is offered with immediate possession. Featuring flexible and adaptable open plan floorplates, the building could be repositioned into an office, hotel or educational space, already holding use class E and F1(a) Education Planning Consent.   Built in 1928, the building was the centre of Birmingham’s stockbroking for almost 60 years, before it was refurbished into offices. The building has retained its heritage with period features throughout, including oak panelled rooms, a feature staircase, and the original banking room.   Located in the Colmore Business District, one of the city’s most established business areas, the Old Stock Exchange has a number of amenities, including restaurants, bars and hotels on its doorstep. The location is also under a 10-minute walk to both Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham New Street train stations, where trains to Birmingham Airport take approximately 12 minutes, giving it great connectivity across the UK and beyond.    Theo Holmes,head of office agency in the Midlands at CBRE, said: “The Birmingham office market is seeing high demand, with take up in Q1 up 45% on the same period last year. There is a particular focus on Grade A office space, and the Old Stock Exchange is one of the few buildings in the traditional core at this size available freehold. Appealing to a variety of future uses, the buildings flexible open plan layout allowing buyers to tailor the space to their needs, while its heritage and period features lend character, charm and gravitas.   “Birmingham is an extremely promising investment opportunity, with a host of regeneration projects announced or underway. The Old Stock Exchange benefits from being within spitting distance of both Central Heart, a vibrant new neighbourhood, and the high-speed rail network, HS2. With top quality space in short supply, we’re expecting a surge of interest on this rare opportunity in Birmingham’s City Centre.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc, announces it has reached completion of construction works at its One Liverpool Street development scheme in the City of London. One Liverpool Street has been designed and developed to create best-in-class office headquarters fit for the future. Energy-efficiency is a prominent consideration in its design, which features triple glazing, high-efficiency chillers, energy-efficient lighting, all-electric energy solutions, green roof, and HEPA filters for clean air. It is targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification for sustainability performance and an EPC ‘A’ rating. Providing 176,000 sq ft of office and retail space across the ground and ten upper floors, the scheme is already 90 per cent pre-let. Knight Frank, the global real estate adviser, will make One Liverpool Street its London and global headquarters while Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, will also be based in the building after leasing almost 68,000 sq ft of space. Both firms will occupy four floors each. Completion at One Liverpool Street also caps a substantial piece of engineering. Built directly above Liverpool Street station, the new structure straddles three live London Underground lines, while bridging across existing infrastructure and wrapping around a six-storey ventilation shaft from the Underground system. This has required the construction of a highly-complex structure, including nearly 200 piles that extend up to 43 metres deep, whilst sophisticated bearings have been installed under every column and truss to offset vibrations from the railway lines below. One Liverpool Street is one of several high-profile developments being delivered by Aviva Investors in the City of London. 101 Moorgate, the sister schemes to One Liverpool Street, sits at the western entrance to the Elizabeth Line at Liverpool Street station and provides over 70,000 sq ft of office and retail space over its ground and eight upper floors and roof terrace. In September last year, Aviva Investors received approval from the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee for its proposed redevelopment of 130 Fenchurch Street, which will see the creation of a showpiece 34-storey tower. In August, Aviva Investors purchased the remaining stake at New Broad Street House, with an initial assessment into the building’s development potential suggesting it could provide up to an additional 100,000 sq ft of additional prime office space, subject to planning permission. Ben Littman, Head of Development, Real Estate, at Aviva Investors, said: “One Liverpool Street is a transformational scheme and, given its location above the London Underground network, one of the most complex developments to be brought forward in the City of London. Its completion is a significant achievement, testament to our development capabilities and the expertise of our construction partners on the project over the last five years of construction. “Supporting the City of London’s strategic ‘City Plan 2040’ to deliver 1.2 million sq m of additional office floorspace, this is an example of a flagship scheme that combines best-in-class facilities with pioneering engineering and modern technology making it ready for the future. We believe it will contribute significantly to investment outcomes for our clients and investors.” Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, said: “One Liverpool Street is a remarkable achievement. Built above live railway infrastructure and delivered to the highest sustainability standards, it showcases the ambition, ingenuity and confidence that continue to define the City of London. As businesses from around the world choose to invest here, developments like this are helping us create the modern, sustainable workspace needed to support economic growth, attract talent and keep the Square Mile at the forefront of global business.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

RED Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the appointment of its South West division to deliver two office developments at more than £42m, showcasing RED’s significant commercial impact in the region. Appointed by BlackRock and development manager LS Estates, the first of these two premier Cat A office redevelopments is at Portwall Place, Bristol. Redefining the city’s workspace market, Portwall Place will span seven floors and 150,000 sq ft of office space, designed by architects Buckley Grey Yeoman (BGY). The building’s market-leading amenity provision will include a café, gym, and communal workspaces, featuring Bristol’s largest roof terrace with views over the City Centre, the Brunel Mile, St Mary Redcliffe, the Floating Harbour, and the Mendip Hills beyond.  The team will also carry out external repairs to the building façade and construct over 7,500 sq ft of terrace spaces with improved ecology through green roof areas. Targeting EPC A, BREEAM Excellent, and Nabers 4.5, Portwall Place has been designed as an all-electric building with a calculated saving for embodied carbon at 75%, and works will complete at the end of 2027. The second of the two new projects is Pinesgate West in Bath, an £8m office refurbishment located along the Avon River, which will be the new headquarters for engineering consultancy firm, Buro Happold. RED South West has been appointed by WPV Developments, and are working to AWW Architects’ design, targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A. Removing the façade and replacing it with a new envelope will improve the building’s aesthetic and form a prestigious gateway into Bath, but also drive lower energy consumption by minimising solar gain. That operational energy reduction is also supported through the introduction of PV panels, with EV charging, cycle storage, and an external terrace adding to the desirability of the scheme for its future occupiers. This project marks a continuation of the relationship between RED South West and AWW, the latter celebrating its 50th birthday in 2025. The two Bristol-based businesses also partnered on Hollis Wharf, the £13m 45,000 sq ft mixed-used development in Bath, and a £15m health hub in Weston-super-Mare. James Devey, Divisional Director at RED South West, commented: “These two premier office projects highlight RED’s dominance in the region, expertise in sustainable development, and sensitivity to local heritage. Set to be the largest commercial refurbishment in the South West, Portwall Place is a landmark scheme for Bristol and one that will be looked to as a benchmark for the office market here. Pinesgate takes the same inspiration, building on Bath’s industrial heritage whilst keeping sustainability a priority. These schemes will really stand out, in cities where there is huge demand for quality office space, and we have a big role to play in delivering them.” Jamie Furse, Director and Architect at AWW, said: “Pinesgate will be our third project with Red South West, following Hollis Wharf and Weston Health Hub, so our working relationship has already delivered some really positive outcomes for our region. As Pinesgate sets the pace for future developments in Bath, we were always keen to partner with a construction team that truly understood its complexities, with a thorough appreciation of what makes the city unique. As AWW celebrated its 50th year, it was incredibly rewarding to continue delivering projects that set benchmarks in design and helped shape the future direction of architecture across key South West locations.” These appointments follow the news that RED South West has celebrated project completions totalling more than £65m, most recently completing the £15m Millstream development, as the final piece of the Chocolate Quarter Retirement Village. Following the successful delivery of the Chocolate Quarter Retirement Village, St Monica Trust has now appointed the South West division as its construction partner on The Hub, a vibrant new social facility to be located at the heart of Cote Lane Retirement Village in Bristol.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Mace has begun work on a landmark £150 million redevelopment of London’s former City Hall, returning to one of the capital’s most recognisable buildings more than two decades after originally constructing it. Appointed by St Martins Property Investments, the Kuwaiti-owned real estate investor, Mace will deliver the extensive transformation of the former Greater London Authority headquarters at More London into a modern, sustainable office and retail destination designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s commercial property market. The ambitious retrofit project will increase the building’s floorspace from 18,000 sq m to 22,000 sq m through carefully designed extensions around the existing 10-storey structure. Designed by Gensler, with Waterman providing structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services, the redevelopment will modernise the landmark while preserving its prominent position on the South Bank. One of the most significant aspects of the scheme will see the building’s distinctive leaning profile refined through the extension of its floorplates, creating larger and more flexible office accommodation for future occupiers. The existing glass façade will be removed and replaced with a high-performance cladding system, while landscaped terraces will be introduced to enhance both occupier wellbeing and environmental performance. The redevelopment also includes the infilling of the central atrium, installation of new mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems, shell and core office fit-out, roof terraces and modern end-of-trip facilities, reflecting growing demand for premium workplace amenities within central London office developments. At ground level, new retail space will be incorporated alongside improvements to the surrounding public realm. Works will enhance The Scoop amphitheatre, Queen’s Walk and the wider landscape, creating a more attractive and accessible riverside environment for office users, visitors and the local community. Originally designed by Foster + Partners, the iconic building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and served as London’s City Hall until the Greater London Authority relocated to the Royal Docks in 2021. For the construction industry, the project highlights the continued importance of deep retrofit and adaptive reuse as developers seek to extend the lifespan of existing commercial buildings while significantly improving their sustainability credentials. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the scheme demonstrates how complex structural remodelling and modern engineering solutions can deliver future-ready workplaces with a substantially reduced environmental impact. Ged Simmonds, Managing Director for Private Sector at Mace Construct, said returning to More London presented a unique opportunity to build upon the legacy of a landmark development. He added that the focus would be on delivering a high-performing, sustainable workplace while enhancing the surrounding public realm and creating long-term value for occupiers and the wider community. With construction now underway, the redevelopment is set to breathe new life into one of London’s best-known commercial buildings, reinforcing the growing role of retrofit in shaping the future of the UK’s office property sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has leased a 17,000 sq ft office at Skypark near Exeter. The business historically operated from two separate offices in Exeter, but they will now be located in a Grade A, 17,143 sq ft office at One Tiger Moth Road at Skypark. Leased from Devon County Council, the move will enable Vistry to unite its two regional teams under one roof, bringing 300 employees together to provide a best-in-class service for customers and partners. The EPC A-rated building offers exceptional, state-of-the-art office space situated over three floors and is located within Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone’s Skypark, providing easy access to nearby transport hubs. Vistry has long been the largest homebuilder across the South West, with its teams delivering hundreds of new affordable homes in partnership with leading housing providers, including Livewest. In 2026, the combined business expects to deliver 1,400 homes across the region. Peter Tannian, Managing Director of Vistry Devon & Cornwall Regions, said: “This move provides a fantastic opportunity for our South West businesses to become more aligned and ensure we provide the best and most efficient service for our customers and partners. Equally, the exceptional, Grade A office space at One Tiger Moth provides a great opportunity for our teams to collaborate and ensure best practice is being adopted across the business.” Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, and Chair of Skypark Development Partnership LLP, commented:“We are delighted to welcome Vistry Group to Exeter Skypark. Securing a leading house builder on a long-term lease is a powerful endorsement of Skypark’s quality and appeal.  Skypark is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, people focused business environments, not just in Exeter, but across the UK. It is a vibrant, beautifully designed employment site to support businesses to grow and thrive.” Councillor Paul Hayward, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Economy at East Devon District Council and representing Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, said: “We are delighted to welcome Vistry to Skypark, one of the four key sites within the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone. This is a strong vote of confidence in the quality of the business environment we are creating here and in Skypark’s continued appeal as a location for ambitious, growing businesses. Vistry’s arrival brings hundreds of employees together in one place and further strengthens Skypark’s role as a major employment destination for the area.” Vistry was advised by JLL and Hector Pearce. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction is set to commence this October on one of the City of London’s most significant commercial developments, as Skanska prepares to begin work on the £282m redevelopment of 55 Old Broad Street. The scheme will deliver approximately 270,000 sq ft of premium office accommodation across 23 storeys, alongside new retail space and enhanced public realm, reinforcing the continued demand for high-quality, sustainable workplaces within London’s financial district. Originally promoted by Landsec, the development is now being taken forward by private equity real estate investor AshbyCapital, with Landsec continuing to play a key role as development manager. Completion is scheduled for 2029, with the project aiming to create a future-ready commercial destination just moments from Liverpool Street Station, one of the capital’s busiest transport hubs. Skanska’s appointment extends well beyond the core construction works. Alongside delivering the main building structure, the contractor will install the full mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems, together with the Cat A office fit-out, providing occupiers with modern, flexible workspace designed to meet evolving business requirements. The project also includes the sensitive refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Bishopsgate Victorian Bath House, preserving an important piece of London’s architectural heritage, as well as the refurbishment of the neighbouring five-storey building at 65 Old Broad Street. Together, these elements demonstrate a balanced approach that combines contemporary commercial development with the restoration of historic assets. As occupier expectations continue to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating workplaces that deliver strong environmental performance, high-quality amenities and attractive public spaces. The redevelopment of 55 Old Broad Street reflects these changing priorities, with sustainability, connectivity and employee wellbeing all forming key components of the overall vision. Lee Marks, Executive Vice President at Skanska, described the project as an opportunity to create high-quality, future-ready workspace in one of London’s best-connected commercial locations. He added that the company was proud to bring its specialist expertise to a development of such scale and significance. Tom Smithers, Property Director at AshbyCapital, said securing Skanska represented an important milestone for the project. He noted that the shared ambition is to deliver a best-in-class workplace that combines outstanding design, strong environmental performance and enhanced public realm while meeting the changing needs of modern occupiers. With demand for sustainable, high-specification office space continuing to drive investment across the City, 55 Old Broad Street is set to become another flagship commercial development contributing to London’s evolving business landscape while supporting the ongoing regeneration of one of its most prominent financial districts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals