McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction and CAT A fit-out of Eden Campus, Unilever’s new UK headquarters. The site comprises two office blocks providing 290,000 square feet of commercial accommodation and a multi-storey car park in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. The construction of Eden Campus began in October
The City of London Corporation has officially given the green light to plans for 1 Undershaft, a landmark skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most iconic structures in the UK. The towering development will rise to an impressive
Appointment follows nearing completion of demolition work undertaken by Salter Construction Art-Invest Real Estate (Art-Invest) has appointed RED Construction Group as lead construction contractor to deliver the redevelopment of Sackville House on Piccadilly. A historic office building in the West End, it is set to offer 30,000 sq ft of
Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced that Waystone, a global leader in specialist asset management services, is relocating its London team to the prestigious 125 Wood Street office development, which is now fully let. Waystone has signed for 8,078 sq ft of premium Grade
Skanska has scooped a £197 million deal with a Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK joint venture to develop an office, retail and leisure space in Mayfair. The company will lead construction of two new category A office buildings that form part of the wider mixed-use redevelopment of South Molton in
Real estate investment firm Castleforge has clinched a substantial £115 million loan to support the redevelopment of the iconic Grade II-listed 1 Golden Lane office building in London’s Square Mile. This significant funding will enable Castleforge to bring to life an ambitious vision for the site, reflecting its commitment to
WORKPLACE design and build specialist ODCreate has delivered a category A+ project, reimagining 7,000 sq ft of office space in central London. The offices – situated close to Leicester Square at 101 St Martin’s Lane – have been refurbished for landlord KGAL, an independent German investment and asset manager, with ODCreate
Virgin Media O2 has signed a commitment to invest in a new state-of-the art office space in central Manchester, agreeing a contract with Island that will see the new and innovative net zero carbon workspace become the company’s central Manchester office location from late next year. With the lease of
Acquisition represents largest office investment deal in the city for half a decade Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78M. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn,
INTERNATIONAL insurance intermediary group Howden has unveiled its new office at The Avebury in Milton Keynes, thanks to workplace design and build specialist ODCreate. The near-30,000 sq ft project – which will complete later this year and is ODCreate’s biggest to date in terms of floorspace – has been designed
McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction and CAT A fit-out of Eden Campus, Unilever’s new UK headquarters. The site comprises two office blocks providing 290,000 square feet of commercial accommodation and a multi-storey car park in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. The construction of Eden Campus began in October 2022. Building A, an eight-storey office building with a basement is located on Eden Street and has a strong architectural identity, continuing the curved profile of Eden Street. Building B, a second, complimentary ten-storey office building with a basement, is located on Brook Street. The two offices are fully integrated and designed for long-term flexibility. The joint entrance off Brook Street creates a welcoming approach at ground level whilst defining the main reception area. This will also reinforce the new public realm being created nearby. A connecting bridge at the sixth-floor level creates a seamless internal transition to the proposed social and communal spaces on the sixth-floor of Building A. The multi-storey car park on St James Road can accommodate 350 cars and 490 bikes. It has full electric charging infrastructure and changing facilities to facilitate sustainable commuting. It also has a landscaped roof garden. At completion, Eden Campus achieved an Excellent BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment) rating, recognising McLaughlin & Harvey’s commitment to net zero by designing and delivering projects that are highly energy efficient, perform as designed when occupied, minimise carbon emissions and cost of ownership, and improve people’s health and wellbeing. Following the practical completion and key handover, Jonathan Lawes, Director at Cube Real Estate, said: “We are incredibly proud to have completed Unilever’s new UK headquarter campus. It is not just about the physical structure but more about the dreams, aspirations, and collective effort that have gone into making this project a reality. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a group of talented individuals comes together with a shared vision and determination.” Reflecting on the project, Michael Kieran, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, added: “We are delighted to have reached Practical Completion of the Eden Campus project and hand over the keys to our Client, Cube Real Estate. The success of this exceptional project is a testament to the collaborative approach adopted by our design team, supply chain partners, project delivery team and the employer’s agent. We are extremely proud of the completed project and wish Unilever good luck as they embark on their fit-out.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of London Corporation has officially given the green light to plans for 1 Undershaft, a landmark skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most iconic structures in the UK. The towering development will rise to an impressive height of 309.6 metres (1,015.8 feet), matching The Shard as the tallest building in the country. Located in the heart of London’s financial district, 1 Undershaft will stand proudly between two of the city’s most famous landmarks—the Gherkin and the Leadenhall Building—solidifying its place in the city’s iconic skyline. A Monumental Addition to the City’s Landscape 1 Undershaft will offer approximately 1.7 million square feet (158,000 square metres) of state-of-the-art office space, attracting businesses from across the globe and further cementing London’s reputation as a world-leading financial hub. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Eric Parry Architects, the skyscraper will feature cutting-edge design, offering both modern aesthetics and practical functionality. The building’s distinct cylindrical form and glass façade will set it apart from its neighbours. A significant feature of the development is its commitment to sustainability, with the project expected to achieve high environmental performance standards. 1 Undershaft will be equipped with an innovative low-carbon heating and cooling system, along with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the ongoing trend towards eco-conscious construction in the capital. Public Spaces and Views Like Never Before One of the standout features of 1 Undershaft is its dedication to public access. The building will include a stunning, free-to-access public garden on the 11th floor, offering visitors panoramic views of the city. The garden will feature a wide range of plants, providing a lush, green space that contrasts with the urban environment below. At the very top of the skyscraper, visitors will be able to take in breathtaking views from Europe’s highest publicly accessible viewing gallery. This will not only be a great attraction for tourists but will also serve as a unique space for Londoners to experience the city from a new perspective. Additionally, the tower will be home to a dedicated cultural space, located on the 72nd and 73rd floors, which will house an exhibition curated by the London Museum. This space will highlight the rich history and heritage of London, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors to learn more about the city’s fascinating past. Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward The development of 1 Undershaft has not been without its challenges. The City of London Corporation’s planning applications sub-committee approved the project with 16 votes in favour and 7 votes against, after a number of revisions were made to address concerns from local residents and organisations. In particular, objections were raised about the loss of public space at nearby St Helen’s Square, with critics arguing that the new development could overshadow this area. However, the revised plans included design changes that reduced the impact on St Helen’s Square and enhanced the public realm, leading to the approval of the project. This compromise highlights the city’s commitment to balancing modern development with the preservation of open public spaces. Looking to the Future With construction set to begin soon, 1 Undershaft promises to be a true testament to the City of London’s ambition and innovation. Once completed, it will not only redefine the skyline but also offer an array of opportunities for businesses and the public alike. The building’s blend of advanced technology, sustainability, and dedication to open spaces will ensure it becomes a defining feature of London’s ever-evolving cityscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Appointment follows nearing completion of demolition work undertaken by Salter Construction Art-Invest Real Estate (Art-Invest) has appointed RED Construction Group as lead construction contractor to deliver the redevelopment of Sackville House on Piccadilly. A historic office building in the West End, it is set to offer 30,000 sq ft of new Grade A workspace alongside a new roof terrace, amenity space and a retail offer across the ground floor. Sackville House is an iconic building that is being significantly repositioned by RED Construction’s London team, with an extension to both the roof and rear and a comprehensive internal refurbishment, allowing the building’s fabric and heritage to be retained whilst delivering an exemplar commercial building back to the area for the next generation. Given RED Construction Group’s renowned ability with unique construction projects and its experience and understanding of building similar to the historic significance of Sackville House, the team is the ideal partner for Art-Invest. Start on site is expected in the first quarter of 2025. In the first half of this year, Art-Invest successfully secured planning permission for Sackville House, a Grade II listed building, located on the corner of Sackville Street and Piccadilly. Early enabling and strip out works undertaken by Salter Construction are well underway and expected to complete early in the New Year. With seven floors of workspace and an outdoor pavilion on the roof terrace, Sackville House will be a unique offer for occupiers wanting a premium workspace balanced with this quantum of exceptional amenity space in the form of a gym, fitness and spin studio on the lower ground floor in the bank’s original vault. Art-Invest Real Estate is targeting practical completion by the end of 2026. Will Oakes, Senior Development Manager, Art-Invest Real Estate, said: “It is great to have RED Construction Group on board and we look forward to working with the team to continue the progress that has been made on site. Sackville House is a really exciting proposition for the West End office market. The amount and quality of amenity space that is prioritised in the building sets it apart and ensures it is ideally placed to capitalise on increasing demand for Grade A spaces that support a better work life balance, in the best London locations.” Mark Iori, Managing Director at RED Construction London, added: “Our appointment to deliver Art-Invest’s iconic Sackville House is testament to RED Construction London’s proven track record working on heritage-rich sites in the heart of the capital. We are known for delivering considered refurbishments across London, and we are pleased to add yet another landmark Grade II listed building to our project portfolio.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced that Waystone, a global leader in specialist asset management services, is relocating its London team to the prestigious 125 Wood Street office development, which is now fully let. Waystone has signed for 8,078 sq ft of premium Grade A offices on the sixth floor. Located in the heart of the City, 125 Wood Street boasts a prime position near St Paul’s Cathedral, offering unrivaled access and iconic views. Railpen’s ambitious refurbishment of the former 1980s structure created 65,000 sq ft of cutting-edge, Grade A office accommodation, featuring accessible terraces on the sixth and seventh floors that provide panoramic views of London’s skyline. Alex Luker, Asset Manager at Railpen commented: “We are delighted to welcome Waystone as the final tenant at 125 Wood Street. This agreement reflects Railpen’s commitment to creating exceptional workplaces that attract globally recognised firms. 125 Wood Street has been redeveloped to create high-quality, sustainable space that aligns with the growth ambitions of top-tier occupiers like Waystone, while delivering secure long-term returns for our members.” This signing marks the completion of the leasing at 125 Wood Street, one of the most significant deals for the development this year. The new office will house approximately 100 employees and will serve as a central hub for Waystone’s operations in London. Karl Midl, Country Head – United Kingdom at Waystone said: “Our move to 125 Wood Street is an exciting step for Waystone as we continue to enhance our presence in London, a key global financial hub. The new space demonstrates our commitment to London and ensures we are well located, close to many valued clients whilst simultaneously providing a high-quality, sustainable working environment for our team.” BH2 advised Railpen in the deal, while CBRE acted for Waystone. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Skanska has scooped a £197 million deal with a Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK joint venture to develop an office, retail and leisure space in Mayfair. The company will lead construction of two new category A office buildings that form part of the wider mixed-use redevelopment of South Molton in Mayfair, London, being led by Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK. The project involves the demolition of existing buildings and construction of two new office buildings at 60 Brook Street and 56 Davies Street, comprising 71,000 sq. ft and 78,000 sq. ft respectively. The project also involves the restoration of the Running Horse Pub, together with ground floor retail, restaurants, cafés and a basement gym, covering a total of 267,000 sq. ft. In addition to main construction in Mayfair, Skanska will deliver CAT A mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems, including the site wide data network, security and smart building solution, with all phases of South Molton on track to complete in July 2027. Skanska has been working with the Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK JV since October 2022 to evolve the design and construction methodology for South Molton, including identifying sustainability and carbon reduction strategies. This process has reduced steel usage by 200 tonnes, with the re-use of existing steel elements, pre-fabrication of façades and in-situ construction of the concrete base slab all contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. “We have enjoyed a fantastically collaborative working relationship with the Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK JV team over the past two years,” said Terry Muckian, Managing Director, Building. “This has led to a design and method of construction that reduces carbon and de-risks programme delivery in what is a complex working environment in the heart of London’s West End. “We have a long history and deep understanding of the London commercial office market and we are delighted to be continuing this with South Molton. “South Molton is an exciting development for this internationally recognised part of London and I know our team are really looking forward to playing their part in bringing it to life.” The building is targeting environmental standards BREEAM Outstanding for offices and Design for Performance to secure a NABERS 5* accreditation. It’s also targeting WiredScore Platinum certification, which recognises best-in-class digitally connected buildings across the globe. The state-of-the-art offices will feature world-class office design and facilities, including large modern floorplates, roof terraces, outstanding amenities and leading environmental credentials. At ground level, they will be activated by a dynamic mix of retail and food and beverage outlets alongside attractive, greener streets. Designed to complement the distinctive character of Mayfair, 56 Davies Street and 60 Brook Street will feature a mix of new and existing façades. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investment firm Castleforge has clinched a substantial £115 million loan to support the redevelopment of the iconic Grade II-listed 1 Golden Lane office building in London’s Square Mile. This significant funding will enable Castleforge to bring to life an ambitious vision for the site, reflecting its commitment to creating sustainable and adaptable modern workplaces. With planning approval already granted by the City of London, the project will transform 1 Golden Lane into a cutting-edge, eco-conscious office space. On completion, the building will provide approximately 115,000 square feet of premier office accommodation, right in the heart of London’s financial hub. This redevelopment aligns closely with Castleforge’s research-led investment approach, focusing on enhancing property value through strategic operational improvements. The financing, secured through Cheyne Capital Management and Apollo Global Management, highlights investor confidence in Castleforge’s vision and in the enduring demand for high-quality office spaces within London’s business centre, despite the evolving landscape of commercial real estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORKPLACE design and build specialist ODCreate has delivered a category A+ project, reimagining 7,000 sq ft of office space in central London. The offices – situated close to Leicester Square at 101 St Martin’s Lane – have been refurbished for landlord KGAL, an independent German investment and asset manager, with ODCreate repurposing the original fitout to make the space even more attractive for prospective tenants. The reimagining of the existing space has been undertaken with sustainability and adaptive reuse in mind, with an additional benefit of minimising marketing times of the offices for the landlord. Gavin Hawkins, managing director of ODCreate, said: “Market conditions within the office rental sector are changing all the time, and this project is a prime example of how existing spaces can be adapted and adjusted to those changing winds. “We are increasingly finding that landlords are pushing for category A and A+ fitouts that a tenant can let and be ready to move into straight away – especially in offices smaller than 10,000 sq ft. This kind of project is indicative of those market conditions, and the fitout was designed with this approach in mind. “It’s set in a really attractive central London location – which has been reflected in the quality of finish with the interiors – and is an excellent example of how ODCreate can deliver work that ticks the boxes for landlords and tenants alike.” Anaelle Dindorf, asset manager at KGAL Investment Management GmbH & Co KG, said: “We were pleased with the result of the works and had a very positive experience with the project team. The project was delivered without delay in the agreed timeframe.” ODCreate’s fit-out of the space is tenant-ready, with all elements of the design, dressing and fixtures designed to be used immediately by prospective tenants. ODCreate worked alongside Beadmans on the project, who acted as project manager and cost consultant. 101 St Martin’s Lane is one of several major projects recently completed by ODCreate, including a 30,000 sq ft new office for Howden Insurance in Milton Keynes. For more information, visit od-group.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Virgin Media O2 has signed a commitment to invest in a new state-of-the art office space in central Manchester, agreeing a contract with Island that will see the new and innovative net zero carbon workspace become the company’s central Manchester office location from late next year. With the lease of its Wythenshawe office due to expire in early 2026, Virgin Media O2 undertook a comprehensive review of its property options in the area, drawing up a shortlist of several properties within 10 miles of central Manchester that could act as a base for employees to get together in person, while also supporting Virgin Media O2’s flexible working policies. Island, a net zero carbon workspace being developed by joint venture partners HBD (part of Henry Boot plc) and Greater Manchester Pensions Fund, was the company’s preferred choice, with employees set to benefit from excellent local amenities and in-building facilities. The site has strong transport links, excellent cycle storage and shower facilities, and features a rooftop terrace among its 12,500 sq ft of communal spaces, which include a wide range of food and drink options for employees. Among the teams moving to Island will be Virgin Media O2’s multi-skilled customer service teams who provide bespoke and specialist support on a range of customer issues, including sales and retentions, service issues, bereavement and telecare support. Having first moved to Wythenshawe in 1991, this new agreement with Island further extends Virgin Media O2’s long-term association with, and investment in, the Manchester area. Island is targeting an Excellent BREEAM Sustainable Building Certification, demonstrating the innovative strategies and green technologies it uses to achieve an exceptional level of environmental performance. A net-zero workspace from day one, Island’s sustainable features include centralised air handling units and demand-controlled CO2 sensors to improve indoor air quality, 350m² of solar panels, real-time energy consumption data screens, efficient lifts and LED lighting. This major investment from Virgin Media O2 will provide a modern, future-proof space for its people to meet and collaborate in the North West, consistent with the company’s flexible working policies. Virgin Media O2 will provide clear communication and support for employees currently based at Wythenshawe to ensure a smooth transition next year. Patricia Cobian, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to retaining a sizeable presence in Manchester, with a flagship new office that places us in the heart of the city’s thriving technology hub. “The state-of-the art office will provide a vibrant space for our employees in the North West to get together in person and collaborate, meeting our needs now and helping to attract future talent. Improving our people’s experience was a key focus in the selection process, and Island offers our employees a wide range of amenities and facilities that are not currently available to them. “With enviable environmental credentials and excellent transport links, this move will help reduce our carbon emissions and make it easier than ever for our employees to choose more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.” Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director at HBD, said: “Virgin Media O2’s decision to invest in Island and call this remarkable building its new home in Manchester is testament to the exceptional space we have created here. Island has been carefully designed around the needs of the occupier. Not only is it a highly intelligent and sustainable building, but it’s one which prioritises people’s health and well-being. Virgin Media O2’s values are perfectly aligned with ours and we’re proud to welcome them to Island. “At Island Virgin Media O2 will enjoy a building which has achieved Well Building Gold Rating. Designed to ensure that occupiers can be highly inclusive, Island features design elements and spaces which support neurodiversity, people of different faiths and gender identification as well as spaces for nursing mothers. “There is strong interest in the remaining space that is available at Island, with plenty of options to join Virgin Media O2 across the remaining four floors.” Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “It’s very positive to see Virgin Media O2 bring their new North West HQ to Manchester in a state-of-the-art facility with net-zero carbon workspaces that enhance our carbon neutral plans. This multi-million-pound investment will bring a significant boost to the city-region and highlights Greater Manchester as a place where companies want to invest.” Island will become Virgin Media O2’s third major new office space since the merger in June 2021. The company is currently preparing to move teams into a new state-of-the-art HQ in Paddington by the end of the year, while it was recently confirmed that staff in Lanarkshire will transfer to a new office in Maxim Park in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acquisition represents largest office investment deal in the city for half a decade Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78M. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK, said: “We remain committed to strategically investing in the UK’s regional markets, confident they offer substantial opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.” CBRE and Knight Frank acted for Ashtrom Properties UK on the purchase. Savills acted on the sale. Central Square comprises 217,249 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation across 11 upper floors above 13,126 sq ft of retail, restaurant and ground floor leisure units. It has one of the largest column free floor plates in the city of circa 25,000 sq ft and houses a Winter Garden and Sky Garden with break out and entertainment space for tenants along with 128 basement parking spaces. It has exceptional sustainability credentials including BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A. Located off Wellington Street and Whitehall Road, Central Square is close to Leeds Station and Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds City Centre. Current tenants include Marks & Spencer PLC, PWC, RSM UK Management, Freeths, GXO Logistics, Sky, Sanderson Weatherall, BDO Services. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK further said: “The successful acquisition of this prominent building in the heart of Leeds marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to invest in the future of the UK’s regional city centres, which we believe are poised for strong growth. “I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the vendor for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this process, which ensured a smooth and mutually beneficial transaction. A special thanks goes to our in-house team, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in driving this acquisition forward. Their commitment, along with the support of our external partners, guided us to a successful outcome.” Will Kennon, Executive Director, CBRE said: “Central Square is one of the best regional office assets located outside of London. Leeds is experiencing significant growth across all metrics, and the office market is facing an acute shortage of prime office space which we believe will lead to continued strong rental growth over the next cycle. With the market facing continued development viability challenges, we consider this acquisition will deliver strong risk adjusted returns over both short and long term. We are delighted to have helped Ashtrom Properties UK secure this exceptional asset, to add to their strong UK office portfolio in line with its current strategy to invest in core regional cities” Henrie Westlake, Head of the North Knight Frank LLP, commented; “The acquisition of Central Square by Ashtrom Properties UK aligns with their strategic decision to selectively invest in the UK Office market. As a long term holder of assets, the strategy is driven primarily by the strong underlying market fundamentals that will drive rental growth for prime assets. Notwithstanding this, there is no question that a normalised market will see significant yield compression that will further validate this approach. This will almost certainly be viewed as the bellwether deal of this cycle.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INTERNATIONAL insurance intermediary group Howden has unveiled its new office at The Avebury in Milton Keynes, thanks to workplace design and build specialist ODCreate. The near-30,000 sq ft project – which will complete later this year and is ODCreate’s biggest to date in terms of floorspace – has been designed around the business’ hybrid working model, with flexible and agile spaces that cater for both collaborative and individual working. Modelled on Howden’s main headquarters in London, the newly refurbished facility will also feature a large servery and café on-site, with an attractive food offering for staff and visitors alike. Erika Linghorn, who led the project for ODCreate, said: “This project is an excellent example of collaboration between client and designer, bringing together elements of Howden’s London headquarters with the unique qualities of The Avebury and the opportunities that brings. “The key factors in the brief for this project were to create a “destination” office to welcome and inspire in equal measure, as well as being able to adapt to changing working practices such as hybrid and collaborative working. “The Avebury represents the largest project ODCreate has ever undertaken as we look to expand our design and build portfolio – and we believe that the results will speak for themselves.” ODCreate is working alongside Savills as project manager and Fanshawe as cost consultant. The wider ODGroup has worked on the site of The Avebury previously, with ODInteriors undertaking the base build refurbishment of the former Avebury House before ODCreate was appointed to work on the client design and fitout for Howden Insurance. The 28,000 sq ft office space is one of several major projects recently completed by ODCreate, including ones for clients in the financial, legal and food and beverage office sectors. For more information, visit od-group.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
