YTL Developments has now submitted a planning application for a landmark Grade-A office building that will be the gateway to Brabazon, located next to the new train station. The new eight-storey office development will be the first permanent commercial space at Brabazon and marks the first step in delivering a
A landmark office deal in the City of London has been finalised, with Helical and Orion Capital Managers completing the £333 million forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street to an undisclosed owner-occupier. The buyer, confirmed by several sources familiar with the matter, is understood to be a major US-based
Aviva Investors, the global asset management business, announces it has completed a significant letting agreement at its flagship One Liverpool Street development in the City of London, with global real estate adviser Knight Frank. The agreement will see Knight Frank take 72,400 sq ft in the building on an 18-year
Multiplex is gearing up to commence the main build phase of the £1bn Fifty Fenchurch Street development in London this summer. With Keltbray now completing piling and excavation works, Multiplex is preparing to take over as the main contractor for the 36-storey, 650,000 sq ft office tower, developed by AXA
AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with €186 billion of assets under management[1], is set to follow completion of piling and excavation works with the commencement of main build construction this summer at its latest flagship London office development, Fifty Fenchurch Street. The Main Works contract for
Regal has successfully secured a £58.6 million investment loan from lender Firma Partners to refinance The Clarendon Works, its newly completed, sustainable office development in Watford. The 12-storey office scheme is the largest of its kind in Watford, offering nearly 140,000 square feet of high-quality workspace, complete with modern amenities.
British Land has appointed Bam to lead a £100m transformation of Broadgate Tower, a landmark office building near Liverpool Street in London. The project will see the addition of a three-storey extension, including a 6,200 sq ft terrace at the front of the building. Tower floors and Broadgate Plaza will
British Land has gained planning approval for a major £600 million transformation of Euston Tower, a 1960s skyscraper in London, into a cutting-edge life sciences and workspace hub. The ambitious project, designed by 3XN, will deliver 560,000 square feet of high-quality office space, alongside improved public areas and expanded amenities.
British Land has announced a significant redevelopment of Broadgate Tower, a 34-storey office building within its Broadgate campus in the City of London. The project aims to enhance sustainability standards while delivering high-quality office space to meet growing market demand. The redevelopment will include a three-storey extension featuring a 6,200
Willmott Dixon has scooped City of Doncaster Council’s Gateway One development, a new 52,000 sq. ft Grade A office building on Trafford Way which is set to become Doncaster’s new digital tech hub. Work on the £32 million development, adjacent to Doncaster train station, will begin in April with completion
YTL Developments has now submitted a planning application for a landmark Grade-A office building that will be the gateway to Brabazon, located next to the new train station. The new eight-storey office development will be the first permanent commercial space at Brabazon and marks the first step in delivering a business address like no other in North Bristol. Designed by AHR Architects, it will deliver the Grade-A office specification businesses need, as well as the amenities and connectivity that their high-skilled staff expect. At a time when there is a shortage of new commercial buildings in Bristol city centre, Brabazon will now offer the same quality space occupiers would expect from a prime urban location. The new offices will meet modern sustainability standards, targeting EPC A rating, BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5* ratings as well as WiredScore Platinum certification for connectivity. But unlike Aztec West or other dedicated business parks, Brabazon is also a more accessible location. Not only is the new building located immediately above the new station, but it will also actually house a ticket office, making it just the third in the region after Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway to be staffed. “The start of construction on the new station at Brabazon earlier this month is a game changer for North Bristol. “At a time when Central Bristol is struggling to meet demand for top-quality commercial space, now city centre occupiers have a genuine and sustainable alternative. Brabazon will offer all the advantages of the city centre and amazing road access to the M4 and M5, but none of the compromises of traditional uninspiring, car-dependent business parks. “The first new Grade A office space at Brabazon is a landmark moment for the new neighbourhood. Located next to the new train station at Brabazon, it will provide the area’s world-leading commercial cluster with the space, connectivity and opportunity to grow and expand.” The new train station will connect to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes, providing easy access to the Ministry of Defence at Filton Abbey Wood and to Bristol University’s new Temple Quarter Campus. In addition, the thousands of staff working at engineering, aviation and technology companies like Airbus, GKN and Rolls-Royce, will now be able to take the train to work from Lawrence Hill, Stapleton Road and Ashley Down. The University of the West of England’s Frenchay Campus is also less than 1.5 miles away from the new station and office, while the M4 MetroBus will connect directly to Bristol Parkway station. Alongside the connectivity, it will also offer employees all the amenities that they would expect of city centre office space. There will be a retail dining space on the ground floor for food, spilling out onto the public square that will be the gateway to the new neighbourhood. 107 cycle spaces and shower facilities will encourage office staff to walk, run or cycle to work. And with the new Arena coming soon, the offices at Brabazon will offer all the lifestyle advantages needed to attract and retain high-skilled talent. This new landmark will comprise 123,330 square feet of Grade A office space in total, located in the heart of North Bristol’s world-leading commercial cluster, where approximately 48,000 people work in high-value manufacturing, life science and technology industries. Up to 800 people are expected to work in the building when it is fully occupied. Typical floor plates measure 13,190 sq ft of net useable space, with the ability to subdivide space into a number of different combinations. YTL Developments has submitted a planning application for the new office building at Brabazon this week. Subject to planning approval, construction would be undertaken by the YTL Group’s in-house contracting firm – YTL Construction UK – and is expected to complete in early 2028. The new commercial buildings are part of YTL Developments’s approved masterplan for Brabazon, which includes over 6,500 new homes, 2,000 beds of student accommodation, and 86 acres of public squares, parks and playing fields. The 3.7m square feet of commercial space will support up to 30,000 jobs, while over £100 million is being invested in sustainable transport infrastructure. Brabazon is already established as one of the best new residential addresses in the West Country. The largest dedicated student accommodation project in the region is currently under construction, while the innovative Boxworks container-based workspace studios are already incubating a new generation of early-stage and start-up businesses. The announcement of the first permanent commercial space at Brabazon is the next stage in the evolution of this award-winning new city district into a thriving new neighbourhood for Bristol. Adam Spall at AHR Architects said: “This new first office building at Brabazon makes a bold statement. It sets a new standard for sustainable design that aligns with the environmental goals of a modern business. The thoughtfully designed ground floor seamlessly blends the private office space with the station entrance, publicly accessible cafe and vibrant public square. “Offering cutting edge amenities, rail connectivity and an inspiring workplace environment, the new building will provide businesses with everything they need to attract the next generation of talent to Bristol.” Visit Brabazon.co.uk to learn more about Station Office building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A landmark office deal in the City of London has been finalised, with Helical and Orion Capital Managers completing the £333 million forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street to an undisclosed owner-occupier. The buyer, confirmed by several sources familiar with the matter, is understood to be a major US-based financial institution, marking one of the largest transactions in London’s office market in recent years. The sale sets the stage for a significant corporate relocation, as the purchaser prepares to vacate its current headquarters in Canary Wharf. This move underscores a growing trend of major tenants shifting away from Docklands in favour of more centrally located, premium office space in the City. Other high-profile firms making similar moves include HSBC and Clifford Chance, with Deutsche Bank also reportedly reassessing its presence in the area. Vacancy rates in the Docklands core market around Canary Wharf reached a record high of 19 per cent in the first quarter, according to data firm CoStar. 100 New Bridge Street is currently undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment, led by Helical and Orion, which is due for completion in April 2026. Once finished, the 10-storey building will provide 195,000 sq ft of office space designed to the highest standards of sustainability, wellbeing, and technology. The refurbishment includes a complete strip back to the frame, recladding, the addition of two new floors, and the creation of a rooftop terrace offering views of St Paul’s Cathedral and central London. The asset has been sold at a capital value of £1,712 per sq ft, reflecting a yield of 5% before transaction costs and rent-free allowances. The building, held on a 999-year virtual freehold lease from Network Rail Infrastructure, is part of a wider joint venture between Helical and a vehicle managed by Orion Capital Managers. Helical had previously sold a 50% interest in the development to Orion for £55 million. The transaction reflects a broader strategy among corporate occupiers to secure long-term control over prime office assets, rather than remaining in leased space. This has been particularly evident post-pandemic, as businesses seek to optimise their workplaces and attract employees back to physical offices through central, high-quality environments. In a statement, Matthew Bonning-Snook, Chief Executive of Helical, said:“This transaction is a true reflection of the quality of 100 New Bridge Street as a London headquarters destination. The very strong interest we received in the scheme over a year ahead of completion is testament not only to its best-in-class characteristics, but also the acute shortage of prime office space within the submarkets Helical has targeted as part of its significant development programme.” Aref Lahham, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Orion Capital Managers, added:“The sale of 100 New Bridge Street, following the leasing success of Panorama St Paul’s, represents a further vindication of Orion’s strategy to gain exposure to leasing risk in new best-in-class offices in the most in-demand locations across gateway cities in Europe.” The purchaser’s current headquarters at 20 Churchill Place in Canary Wharf is expected to be vacated before its lease expires in 2028. The departure follows a wave of corporate exits from Docklands. While some firms—including Barclays and Morgan Stanley—have opted to stay, the shift towards central London locations continues to reshape the capital’s office market landscape. The deal at 100 New Bridge Street highlights ongoing investor interest in high-quality office developments in core City locations, despite broader market uncertainty around office valuations and demand in the post-Covid environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aviva Investors, the global asset management business, announces it has completed a significant letting agreement at its flagship One Liverpool Street development in the City of London, with global real estate adviser Knight Frank. The agreement will see Knight Frank take 72,400 sq ft in the building on an 18-year lease, in what will become its London and global headquarters. It is the second major letting completed by Aviva Investors at One Liverpool Street, and follows the news in 2023 that Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, would be occupying almost 68,000 sq ft of space in the building. Due to complete in Q1 2026, One Liverpool Street will provide 176,000 sq ft of best in class office and retail space, spread across the ground and ten upper floors. It forms one part of a substantial development scheme that also includes One Liverpool Street’s sister scheme, 101 Moorgate, which itself provides over 70,000 sq ft of office and retail space over its ground and eight upper floors and roof terrace. The two buildings sit at the eastern and western entrances to the Elizabeth Line at Liverpool Street station respectively. Both sites are being developed to create office headquarters that are fit for the future, with energy-efficiency being a prominent consideration in their design, targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for sustainability performance and EPC A. They will also feature all-electric energy solutions. The measures are expected to lead to an overall carbon saving of 33 per cent over current Building Regulations, whilst lowering ongoing energy needs and costs for occupier firms. Sitting in the heart of the Square Mile, the scheme also supports the City of London’s strategic priority to deliver a minimum of 1.2 million sq m additional office floorspace by 2040 under its ‘City Plan 2040’. One Liverpool Street forms part of a significant development pipeline for Aviva Investors in the City of London. Alongside 101 Moorgate, a public consultation has also recently opened on Aviva Investors’ plans to redevelop 130 Fenchurch Street. Ed Atterwill, Head of Central London at Aviva Investors, said: “Attracting a business such as Knight Frank is testament to the quality of our development programme and the buildings that we create. We are delighted to welcome them to One Liverpool Street. This is a scheme designed to equip world-leading businesses with a truly flagship building, featuring best-in-class facilities and modern technologies, whilst sitting in one of London’s best connected locations. We believe this is a development which can help the City get ready for the future by creating flagship assets that continue to attract world-leading businesses to the heart of the Square Mile.” William Beardmore-Gray, Senior Partner and Group Chair at Knight Frank, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured a truly best-in-class building located in the heart of London as our new Global HQ. Our goal was always to secure a state-of-the-art space with exceptional ESG credentials, that embodies our market-leading brand, delivers what we need and sets us up for the future – 1 Liverpool St represents that. With excellent transport links surrounded by restaurants, shops, green spaces and much more, it will be an exceptional place for our people to come together, work, collaborate and welcome our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multiplex is gearing up to commence the main build phase of the £1bn Fifty Fenchurch Street development in London this summer. With Keltbray now completing piling and excavation works, Multiplex is preparing to take over as the main contractor for the 36-storey, 650,000 sq ft office tower, developed by AXA IM Alts. Awarded the contract in June 2024, Multiplex aims to complete the project by 2028. AXA IM Alts previously worked with Multiplex on the construction of 22 Bishopsgate, which was completed in 2020 and has recently reached full occupancy. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, Fifty Fenchurch Street is set to be one of the UK’s most sustainable and biodiverse high-rise office buildings, targeting BREEAM Outstanding and net zero in operation. The tower will feature internal and external gardens on the 10th floor, along with over 40 planted balconies and terraces. Each upper-level office floor will include two terraces with shrubs and flowering plants, enhancing both biodiversity and employee wellbeing. The development will also incorporate a new subterranean livery hall for The Clothworkers’ Company and the restoration of Lambe’s Chapel Crypt beneath the tower. Rob Samuel, UK head of development at AXA IM Alts, commented:“Our success at 22 Bishopsgate confirmed the importance of designing workspaces that evolve with occupiers’ needs, encouraging employees to return to the office. At Fifty Fenchurch Street, we are delivering exactly that—a landmark structure that blends best-in-class office space with green public areas while preserving the City of London’s heritage.” Fifty Fenchurch Street is set to redefine sustainable office design in the capital, offering a future-focused workspace that integrates nature, innovation, and history. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with €186 billion of assets under management[1], is set to follow completion of piling and excavation works with the commencement of main build construction this summer at its latest flagship London office development, Fifty Fenchurch Street. The Main Works contract for the landmark 36-storey, 650,000 sq ft development has been awarded to Multiplex Construction Europe, with the development expected to complete in 2028. AXA IM Alts used the same contractor to construct 22 Bishopsgate which set a new quality benchmark for prime office space when it completed in 2020 and has recently achieved full occupancy. This successful milestone reflected both London’s status as a global hub for business and finance as well as the continued strong demand for well-located offices that integrate advanced technology, sustainability and amenities. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, Fifty Fenchurch Street is set to be one of the UK’s most sustainable and biodiverse high-rise office buildings, targeting BREEAM Outstanding and net zero in operation. It will be the first building of this scale to incorporate such extensive vertical landscaping in the City of London, comprising 10th floor internal and external gardens designed by the architecture and urban design studio DSDHA and more than 40 planted balconies and terraces, collectively introducing over 70 species of plant life to the site. Each upper-level office floor will have two terraces with shrubs and flowering plants, providing office staff with direct access to nature and fresh air from their workspace. The building’s abundant greenery will be seamlessly integrated with state-of-the-art technology and wellness-led amenities to deliver a future-focused, people-centric workplace for generations to come. The expansive urban greening continues at the ground plane with the creation of further gardens inspired by the original fenlands which once populated the area surrounding Fenchurch Street. The gardens also feature the Medieval Church Tower of All Hallows Staining as a spectacular historic centrepiece nestled within lush vegetation, trees and reed beds, all above a substantial new subterranean Livery Hall for The Clothworkers’ Company. Together with the reinstatement of Lambe’s Chapel Crypt beneath the new office tower, these initiatives are part of a broader ambition to integrate London’s medieval heritage into modern urban development, ensuring the preservation and public accessibility of these historic structures. Rob Samuel, UK Head of Development at AXA IM Alts, commented: “Our success at 22 Bishopsgate has confirmed the importance of tailoring buildings to align precisely with the evolving needs of occupiers to create high-quality, innovative workspaces that make employees want to come to the office. At Fifty Fenchurch Street our aim is to deliver exactly that, creating a landmark structure that will be both one of London’s most biodiverse office towers and combine best-in-class workspace with green, accessible public areas that uniquely incorporate heritage buildings that will enrich the City of London’s landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regal has successfully secured a £58.6 million investment loan from lender Firma Partners to refinance The Clarendon Works, its newly completed, sustainable office development in Watford. The 12-storey office scheme is the largest of its kind in Watford, offering nearly 140,000 square feet of high-quality workspace, complete with modern amenities. With almost 80% of the space already let, major tenants include National Lottery operator Allwyn, which has taken 63,527 square feet across six floors, and global technology firm Epson UK, occupying 30,530 square feet. Interest remains strong in the two remaining floors of this premium-grade workspace, which has been designed to rival central London office standards. The deal marks another milestone for Firma Partners, a newly launched real estate lender. This is only its second transaction following last month’s support for McGrath Group’s £40 million acquisition and development project in West London. Victor Librae, chief executive of Firma Partners, commented: “We are pleased to provide Regal with an investment loan to refinance The Clarendon Works, a development that has set a new standard for office space in Watford and the wider South East. This highly sustainable, amenity-rich workspace has already attracted leading tenants, demonstrating its strong market appeal. “Firma Partners is committed to supporting innovative developers and investors in delivering top-tier real estate projects. The facility we are providing for The Clarendon Works aligns with our approach to backing high-quality developments with long-term potential.” Firma Partners specialises in flexible capital solutions for mid- to large-scale real estate investments and developments. Its focus spans across the living sector, including residential, mixed-use, build-to-rent, student accommodation, co-living, later living, hospitality, and hotels.
British Land has appointed Bam to lead a £100m transformation of Broadgate Tower, a landmark office building near Liverpool Street in London. The project will see the addition of a three-storey extension, including a 6,200 sq ft terrace at the front of the building. Tower floors and Broadgate Plaza will also undergo significant refurbishment, with the scheme expected to complete by late 2026. Originally built in 2008, the 34-storey tower is set for a major refresh aimed at enhancing workspaces while improving environmental performance. The redevelopment is targeting top sustainability certifications, including BREEAM Outstanding, an EPC A rating, and WELL certification pre-conditions. Circular economy principles will be applied to reduce embodied carbon, featuring a hybrid pavilion structure incorporating reused steelwork and cross-laminated timber. Kim Sides, construction director at Bam, commented: “With this upgrade, Broadgate Tower will become one of London’s most desirable office destinations, offering flexible, modern workspaces with outstanding facilities. We are thrilled to work with British Land to bring its sustainability vision to life, delivering long-term value for businesses and communities.” David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, added: “We are excited to be repositioning Broadgate Tower, creating high-quality, sustainable office space that meets the evolving needs of today’s occupiers. This project, following our commitment to 2 Finsbury Avenue last year, marks another key milestone for Broadgate and the City as we deliver sought-after modern office space in a competitive market.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has gained planning approval for a major £600 million transformation of Euston Tower, a 1960s skyscraper in London, into a cutting-edge life sciences and workspace hub. The ambitious project, designed by 3XN, will deliver 560,000 square feet of high-quality office space, alongside improved public areas and expanded amenities. With redesigned 19,000-square-foot floor plates, the scheme aims to cater to the evolving demands of modern businesses. Following concerns over sustainability, British Land revised its initial proposals last year, focusing on a more environmentally conscious approach. The approved plans will involve partial demolition and retrofitting, preserving the building’s central core and foundations while dismantling the façade and floor slabs. This method retains 31% of the original structure, reducing environmental impact. The redeveloped 31-storey tower will feature 4,000 square feet of restaurant and café space, alongside 8,000 square feet dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovation initiatives. The site, located within British Land’s Regent’s Place campus, will operate on an all-electric system and target a BREEAM Outstanding rating for sustainability. Camden Council granted approval for the scheme during a planning committee meeting on 20 March, with a final decision still required from the Mayor of London. David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, commented: “We are delighted to receive planning consent for this incredible scheme – the first West End tower in a generation, and likely to be the last. This world-class building will provide space for the UK’s greatest minds to turn research into real-world solutions. “The tower is ideally located at our Regent’s Place campus, where the Knowledge Quarter meets the West End, offering businesses access to a thriving ecosystem of academic and research institutions stretching from Harley Street to King’s Cross.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has announced a significant redevelopment of Broadgate Tower, a 34-storey office building within its Broadgate campus in the City of London. The project aims to enhance sustainability standards while delivering high-quality office space to meet growing market demand. The redevelopment will include a three-storey extension featuring a 6,200 sq ft terrace at the front of the building. Additionally, the project will introduce modern amenities such as upgraded arrival areas, an amenity floor, cycle storage, and shower facilities. Tower floors will undergo extensive refurbishment to align with contemporary occupier expectations. Broadgate Plaza will also be transformed into a green oasis, boosting biodiversity and promoting employee wellbeing. Scheduled for completion in late 2026, the project is strategically timed amid increasing leasing demand. With active leasing requirements at their highest since 2011 and a projected shortfall of 5 million sq ft of premium office space in the City over the next four years, Broadgate Tower is well-positioned to attract tenants seeking a prime location and modern facilities. The development is set to deliver a gross yield on cost exceeding 8% and a high-teen ungeared IRR. BAM has been appointed to oversee the project, which includes constructing a new pavilion, enhancing the public realm, upgrading reception and end-of-trip facilities, and refurbishing office floors. The installation of an air source heat pump is also part of the plan, with the total project cost estimated at £100 million, of which British Land’s share is £50 million. David Lockyer, Head of Development at British Land, said: “British Land has an excellent track record of developing high quality, sustainable towers which meet the standards of modern-day occupiers. “Following our commitment to deliver 2 Finsbury Avenue last year and recent leasing success across the Broadgate campus, this is another significant milestone for both the campus and the wider City as we deliver another office tower into a market where there is short supply of high quality, modern space but very high demand.” British Land has been actively securing new tenants, with approximately 200,000 sq ft of office space at Broadgate either agreed upon or under offer this year. This builds on the 750,000 sq ft of office leasing deals completed in 2024, which included agreements with Akin Gump and Marex at 155 Bishopsgate, as well as Citadel and Citadel Securities at 2 Finsbury Avenue. The company’s Broadgate REIT, co-owned with GIC, has also formed a joint venture with Modon Holding to develop the 750,000 sq ft 2 Finsbury Avenue project. Meanwhile, 1 Broadgate is set to complete later this year, with 96% of its office space pre-let to JLL and A&O Shearman. Sustainability remains at the core of the Broadgate Tower project, which is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, an EPC A rating, and WELL certification. Circular economy principles are being integrated to minimise embodied carbon, which is limited to just 230kg CO2 per sq m. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has scooped City of Doncaster Council’s Gateway One development, a new 52,000 sq. ft Grade A office building on Trafford Way which is set to become Doncaster’s new digital tech hub. Work on the £32 million development, adjacent to Doncaster train station, will begin in April with completion expected in January 2027, where it aims to be net zero carbon in operation, as well as achieve an EPC rating of A and BREEAM Excellent. Gateway One will also include an area of public open space and span across five floors with two commercial units on the ground floor which incorporate alfresco dining. It is largely funded through the Doncaster Town Deal fund, and overseen by the Town Deal Board, a sub-group of the new city centre board. It builds on Doncaster’s ambitions to grow a digital and tech cluster of national significance. The specialist digital tech hub and the businesses located there will focus on digital technology with global AI firm Automatic Analytics among the founding businesses set to take up residence. Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon: “Our team of local commercial experts will bring a wealth of experience and innovation to Gateway One. In partnership with City of Doncaster Council, we will create a cutting-edge and sustainable hub where digital and technology businesses can thrive and grow in this city. “We’re passionate that innovation will be a catalyst for creating opportunities for the people of Doncaster, so, in partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating six new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ initiatives in collaboration with Advance Employment Hub, we also aim to deliver more than 650 hours of impactful employment support for local people furthest from the job market, those at risk of redundancy and those looking to transition into the construction industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
