Great Portland Estates (GPE) has received planning approval for a major refurbishment of Whittington House in London’s West End, paving the way for 74,500 sq ft of new premium headquarters workspace. Camden Council has resolved to grant consent for the comprehensive eight-storey revamp, which will retain the building’s original Richard Seifert & Partners architecture while introducing a series of modern, sustainability-led upgrades. The proposals include enhanced energy performance, improved building services, a new rooftop terrace and a pavilion overlooking the recently pedestrianised Alfred Place. Due for completion in early 2027, the scheme will strengthen GPE’s growing cluster of Grade A offices around Tottenham Court Road. Together with the Gable Building, the Courtyard Building and existing holdings on Alfred Place, the Whittington House project will help deliver a combined 220,000 sq ft of high-spec workspace in one of the capital’s most connected locations. The refurbishment is designed to respond to evolving occupier expectations for quality, flexibility and amenity, rather than pursuing wholesale demolition. By retaining and reworking the existing structure, GPE aims to reduce embodied carbon while still delivering a workplace that meets modern standards for comfort, wellbeing and environmental performance. Trevor Phyo, senior development manager at GPE, said: “Securing planning permission from Camden Council marks a significant milestone for this project. We’re proud to be breathing new life into this building, recognising its architectural heritage, and transforming it into a standout workplace that reflects the future of office design.” With planning now secured, detailed design and pre-construction work will progress ahead of the main build, positioning Whittington House as a key part of GPE’s long-term West End office strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Multiplex has claimed the top spot in the latest Barbour ABI contractors’ rankings after securing the flagship Dovetail Building project at One Cutler Street in the City of London. The landmark appointment marks one of the most significant commercial tower wins of the year and reinforces Multiplex’s strong presence in the capital’s high-rise market. Developed by Brockton Everlast, The Dovetail Building will deliver around 450,000 sq ft of Grade A, net-zero carbon office space close to Liverpool Street Station. The 23-storey tower, designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), will replace the former 115–123 Houndsditch site and is set for completion in the second quarter of 2029. Built to a Cat A finish, the building will feature approximately 22,000 sq ft floorplates with private terraces on every level. The 13th and 14th floors will include dramatic triple-bay, double-height hubs offering panoramic views across the City, while the top floor will feature a distinctive sky pavilion. The scheme’s design prioritises sustainability, wellbeing and flexibility – targeting NABERS 5*, BREEAM Outstanding, LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications. David Marks and Richard Selby, co-founders of Brockton Everlast, said: “We are pleased to be delivering The Dovetail Building in the heart of the City – a project that reflects our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality commercial spaces in London. Aligned with the Corporation of London’s ‘City Plan 2040’ vision, The Dovetail Building will deliver net-zero office space that positively contributes to a vibrant and sustainable future for the Square Mile. We are looking forward to seeing Deconstruct commence the piling phase next month and are pleased to have now selected Multiplex as our construction partner; both important milestones for the project.” According to Barbour ABI data, Multiplex’s major City win helped propel it to the top of the monthly contracts league, reflecting both the scale of the Dovetail project and the continued momentum in London’s commercial property market. The development represents a significant addition to the City’s skyline and a benchmark for the next generation of sustainable, high-performance office buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Orion Capital Managers is pleased to announce the practical completion of Lucent Glasgow. Lucent, developed on behalf of Orion European Real Estate Fund V, represents a 101, 406 sq ft, Grade A office development situated at the eastern end of Glasgow’s iconic Bothwell Street in the heart of the city.   Lucent completes at a crucial time for the Glasgow office market as businesses are increasingly seeking high-quality office space in the city. Best-in-class space is now facing a critical supply shortage in Glasgow – JLL data from Q2 2025 shows the Grade A vacancy rate to have moved down to 2% for the first time since 2022.   The development features best-in-class sustainability credentials in line with evolving occupier demands for prime office space, utilising natural or recycled materials throughout the design and construction process. The building’s typically expansive floorplates of 16,300 sq ft offer a unique proposition to corporate occupiers looking to expand or relocate to Glasgow city centre. Lucent is fully operationally carbon Net Zero, features WiredScore Platinum connectivity, and EPC ‘A’ rating.   It also boasts 5,000 sq ft of ground floor amenity space dedicated to staff interaction and wellbeing including breakout areas, an AV suite, tenant lounge, artisan café, and yoga studio.   Richard Low, Orion Capital Managers, said:   “With industry leading amenity offerings and suitability credentials, Lucent is set to play an important role in satisfying the increasing corporate occupier demand for top-quality, well located space in Glasgow city centre. Our extensive redevelopment of the asset was initiated with this in mind and has successfully created a state-of-the-art office building while paying homage to the site’s unique architectural character.”    “The redevelopment of Lucent aligns with Orion’s wider strategy to gain exposure to leasing risk in best-in-class offices in some of the most supply constrained locations across Europe.”  The name Lucent was chosen for the development to reflect the buildings’ access to natural light on all sides, as well as its central light-filling atrium and multiple upper roof terraces offering unrivalled views of Glasgow city centre.    The building was originally built between 1892-1900 and has been meticulously redeveloped and restored by Orion into an asset that adheres to the expected standards of modern-day prime office space. As part of the redevelopment, Orion retained the elegant sandstone façade which was a striking feature of the original building.   Other notable office investments made by Orion Capital Managers include:   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

RO Group is delighted to announce that WOW! Stuff, the multi-award-winning toy innovation company, has opened a new office, GNR8 at 49 Clarendon Road, Watford. Founded in 2006 by Richard North, Kenny McAndrew and Dr. Graeme Taylor, WOW! Stuff creates unique products partnering with tier 1 entertainment brands including Disney, Marvel, Universal, and Warner Bros. With a mission of delivering toys that create that signature ‘wow’ moment, the company has built a global reputation for unprecedented innovation in toy development and manufacture. WOW! Stuff’s products span multiple categories, and they lead one of the fastest growing emerging toy categories, ‘Puppetronics’ where their Disney Stitch Puppetronic by RealFX led to WOW! Stuff becoming the first British company to win the overall TOTY (USA Toy of the Year) in 2025. GNR8 has recently undergone a contemporary refurbishment programme designed to offer more amenity and wellbeing features to its occupiers. The building comprises four floors with a remodelled reception and ground floor amenity space offering open plan workstations, quiet zones, informal meeting booths, bookable meeting rooms, and outdoor amenity areas. Occupiers also benefit from secure bike storage, shower and changing facilities, a nursing room, and a Fitwel 3-star rating, which is the highest accreditation for healthier workplace environments.  Ed Davidson, Asset Management Director at RO Real Estate, commented: “We are delighted to welcome WOW! Stuff to GNR8. Their creativity and global reach make them a perfect fit for the dynamic, collaborative community we are building here. GNR8’s refurbishment reflects RO’s wider commitment to investing in our portfolio and maintaining the highest standards of workspace, including achieving a prestigious Fitwel 3-star rating, the very highest level of accreditation for healthier workplaces. Combined with its exceptional amenities, central Clarendon Road location, and excellent transport links, the building is a great example of how Watford continues to attract ambitious companies.” The RO was advised by Osborne Clarke and Brasier Freeth, while WOW! Stuff lease negotiation was led by Managing Director Dawn Lavalette and advised by The Wilkes Partnership Solicitors LLP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaren has been appointed construction manager for the wholesale refurbishment of Colmore Gate, signalling a major upgrade for one of Birmingham’s best-known office towers. The project, led by owner AP UK (Ashtrom Properties), will reposition the 1990s building as a high-spec, sustainable workplace offering around 290,000 sq ft of Grade A space. Operating under its construction management model, McLaren will partner closely with the client and bring key trades to the table early to de-risk delivery and compress programme. Vince Lydon, managing director for Construction Management & Specialist Projects at McLaren, said the approach enables “a true partnership with our client and [to] involve the supply chain early on in the process”. For AP UK, the scheme is central to its Midlands strategy. Chief executive Guy Lewinsohn described Colmore Gate as a landmark at the heart of the city’s business district and said the overhaul will provide high-quality, sustainable space that meets evolving occupier needs and supports Birmingham’s growth as a leading hub for business. While full technical details are to follow, the upgrade is expected to focus on a comprehensive enhancement of building services, energy performance and internal layouts to match post-pandemic workplace standards. Typical Grade A refurbishments of this scale include replacing legacy MEP with efficient all-electric systems, improving façade performance, expanding end-of-journey facilities, and creating flexible floorplates with high natural light and modern amenities. Construction management is increasingly being adopted on complex urban refits where design development and procurement benefit from contractor and specialist input at an early stage. The model can help navigate constraints around live city-centre sites, heritage considerations and retained structures, while providing transparency on cost and programme as packages are let. Colmore Gate’s upgrade comes amid sustained demand in Birmingham for well-located, energy-efficient offices capable of supporting hybrid working, wellness and ESG reporting requirements. With net-zero targets tightening across corporate real estate, deep retrofits of existing assets are becoming the preferred route to deliver high performance with lower embodied carbon than new-build alternatives. With McLaren mobilising and AP UK driving a sustainability-led brief, the project is set to deliver a significant lift to the Colmore Business District’s prime office offer and add momentum to the city’s ongoing commercial regeneration. Further design and programme milestones are expected to be announced as the supply chain is engaged and detailed packages are agreed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Edge, the pan-European real estate company, has announced the topping out of EDGE London Bridge, its landmark 26-storey office development located on St Thomas Street, SE1. The milestone signals a major step towards delivering one of London’s most sustainable office towers, designed to set new standards in health, wellbeing and environmental performance. The project is being delivered by Mace as main contractor and is due for completion in 2026. Backed by long-term institutional capital through a joint venture between Edge and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, EDGE London Bridge demonstrates how global investment partnerships can drive domestic economic growth while accelerating the transition to a net zero carbon-built environment. The project highlights the crucial role of institutional investors in supporting sustainable development in the UK, fostering long-term growth and advancing the shift to a low-carbon economy. Located adjacent to London Bridge Station, the 260,000 sq. ft development has been designed by Pilbrow + Partners and is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certification. It features cutting-edge energy efficiency measures, smart building technologies and flexible, future-proofed office space designed to meet occupier demand for workplaces aligned with net-zero targets. Marian Herman, CEO, Edge said: “EDGE London Bridge embodies our vision of creating workplaces that are both people-focused and planet-positive. This milestone takes us one step closer to delivering a flagship office tower that demonstrates how sustainability and investment performance can go hand-in-hand. We are proud to be working with a long-term institutional partner to realise a project that will contribute to London’s global competitiveness while setting a new benchmark for the UK real estate market.” Fons van Dorst, Executive Managing Director UK Edge, said: “The topping out of EDGE London Bridge is not only a construction milestone but also a symbol of collaboration between developer, contractor, investors and the wider community. With its strong location, best-in-class sustainability credentials and future-ready design, EDGE London Bridge will help redefine what occupiers expect from prime London offices.” Ged Simmonds, Managing Director Private Sector Mace Construct, said:‘’We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone at Edge London Bridge, a project that exemplifies what’s possible when ambition and bold thinking come together. From the outset, our shared ambition with Edge has been to challenge convention and deliver a building that sets new benchmarks for environmental performance and sustainable construction. We’ve built on that commitment by pioneering low-carbon initiatives that push the boundaries of what’s achievable. Trust and a collaborative mindset have been central to our success. From design and project management to the supply chain, everyone is empowered to contribute ideas to achieve better outcomes. It’s this collective, proactive spirit that continues to shape a truly exceptional building.” EDGE London Bridge is Edge’s first London project and a flagship investment in the UK capital. It forms part of the company’s wider strategy to bring sustainable and future-ready workplaces to major European cities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as Principal Contractor by Wellcome Trust to deliver a major £52m office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The project will transform a previously underutilised site into a sustainable, high-quality five-storey office building, totalling approximately 114,000 sq ft. Designed to meet modern office standards and attract long-term tenants, the scheme also respects the local heritage and enhances the surrounding streetscape. The development employs a contextual architectural approach, incorporating traditional materials such as stone and brick whilst drawing inspiration from surrounding heritage and neighbouring buildings. The design includes green roofs and terraces to support biodiversity, improved pedestrian experiences at street level, and the retention of gym facilities within the new building. The development is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, the highest environmental performance rating for building design, as well as WELL Platinum Certification, promoting health and wellbeing for building occupants. The project aims to achieve an EPC Rating A, demonstrating top-tier energy efficiency, as well as a NABERS 5-Star Rating for excellent operational energy performance. Enabling works are underway, with McAleer & Rushe delivering the main contract through to completion in October 2027. Darragh Greenan, Director at McAleer & Rushe, said, “We are proud to be chosen to deliver this exceptional new office development that combines outstanding design, sustainable practices, and community-oriented spaces. 80 Pelham Street, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, is a prime example of our expertise in delivering modern, efficient workplaces that enhance the local environment and support the wellbeing of occupants. We look forward to working closely with our client, partners, and valued supply chain to bring this prime new office development to life.” Robert Coke, Head of Buyout Investments and Residential Property at The Wellcome Trust, said, “This is a landmark scheme for the Wellcome Trust and we’re delighted to appoint McAleer & Rushe as our trusted contractor. Their proven expertise and responsible approach give us full confidence as we move into the next phase to deliver vibrant new office space that will generate new jobs, attract talent and bring fresh energy to Brompton Cross.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McAleer & Rushe has been appointed Principal Contractor by the Wellcome Trust to deliver a £52 million office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street, in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The scheme will revitalise a previously underused site with a five-storey, 114,000 sq ft sustainable office building designed to meet modern workplace standards and attract long-term occupiers. The project carefully balances contemporary design with local heritage, enhancing the character and quality of the surrounding streetscape. The development employs a contextual architectural approach, incorporating traditional materials such as stone and brick whilst drawing inspiration from surrounding heritage and neighbouring buildings. The design includes green roofs and terraces to support biodiversity, improved pedestrian experiences at street level, and the retention of gym facilities within the new building. The development is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, the highest environmental performance rating for building design, as well as WELL Platinum Certification, promoting health and wellbeing for building occupants. The project aims to achieve an EPC Rating A, demonstrating top-tier energy efficiency, as well as a NABERS 5-Star Rating for excellent operational energy performance. Enabling works are underway, with McAleer & Rushe delivering the main contract through to completion in October 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The City of London Corporation has approved plans for a 31-storey office tower at 130 Fenchurch Street, formerly Fountain House. Backed by insurance giant Aviva, the scheme will deliver 57,491 sq m of Grade A workspace. Designed with a staggered, jewel-like form, the tower will add a distinct profile to the Square Mile’s cluster of tall buildings. Demolition of the existing block is scheduled for 2026, with completion targeted for 2030. Tom Sleigh, chair of the City’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said the project reflects the Corporation’s drive to support growth with high-quality workplaces, public routes and views, and to deliver jobs and best-in-class offices at scale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals