US insurance group AmTrust has unveiled ambitious plans for a major new office skyscraper in the heart of the City of London, with proposals for a landmark tower potentially rising to 70 storeys and approximately 300 metres beside the iconic Gherkin. The proposed redevelopment of Exchequer Court at 33 St Mary Axe would deliver more than 1.08 million sq ft of Grade A office accommodation, representing one of the largest new commercial development opportunities currently being advanced in the Square Mile. Designed by leading architectural practice WilkinsonEyre, the scheme would transform the existing office complex into a major new addition to London’s evolving skyline, incorporating extensive commercial floorspace alongside public gardens, cultural facilities and improved pedestrian connections. The development would also reinforce the City of London’s ambitions to accommodate continued growth in financial and professional services through the delivery of modern, sustainable office buildings. A New Landmark for London’s Financial District The proposed skyscraper would stand alongside some of the capital’s most recognisable commercial buildings, including 30 St Mary Axe, widely known as the Gherkin. At approximately 300 metres, the tower could reach a height comparable to the proposed One London development at 1 Undershaft, placing it among the tallest buildings planned for the City. Although reports have suggested a height of around 70 storeys, the precise height has not yet been confirmed within the initial public consultation material. AmTrust has appointed Sir George Iacobescu, the former Chairman of Canary Wharf Group, to help steer the redevelopment. Iacobescu brings extensive experience in delivering large-scale commercial property and regeneration projects, having spent 36 years helping transform London’s former Docklands into the internationally recognised financial district of Canary Wharf. He stepped down as Chairman of Canary Wharf Group in July 2024. Upper Brook has been appointed development manager for the Exchequer Court project, working alongside WilkinsonEyre and the wider professional team to progress the design and planning process. More Than One Million Square Feet of Grade A Offices The development is being designed to respond to demand for large, modern office buildings capable of accommodating major corporate occupiers within the City of London. The proposals include substantial office floorplates of approximately 21,000 to 23,000 sq ft, providing flexible commercial accommodation suited to businesses seeking high-quality working environments. AmTrust believes the development could contribute approximately 8% to 10% of the additional commercial workspace identified as necessary under the City of London’s emerging planning strategy to 2040. The scale of the project reflects the continuing transformation of the Square Mile, where developers are seeking to deliver larger, more efficient office buildings capable of meeting changing occupier expectations around sustainability, technology, workplace wellbeing and operational performance. For the construction sector, a development of this magnitude would represent a substantial programme of complex high-rise construction, involving specialist structural engineering, façade systems, mechanical and electrical installations and significant logistical planning within one of London’s most densely developed commercial districts. Public Gardens, Cultural Spaces and Improved Connections Beyond its commercial accommodation, the proposed redevelopment places considerable emphasis on creating new publicly accessible spaces and improving the surrounding urban environment. Initial consultation proposals include approximately 37,600 sq ft of additional public space across the ground and lower levels. These areas would accommodate cultural, exhibition and events facilities, helping establish the development as a destination for visitors and the wider community rather than solely an office building. A particularly prominent feature would be a free-to-access, double-height urban garden on the seventh floor, offering views towards the neighbouring Gherkin. The landscaped space would provide an elevated public environment within the heart of the financial district, introducing additional greenery and opportunities for recreation. At street level, the building would be set back to create a new public courtyard, while improved pedestrian routes would strengthen connections through the site and surrounding streets. The proposals reflect the growing importance of public realm investment within major commercial developments, where new office buildings are increasingly expected to contribute positively to the wider urban environment. Heritage Considerations Shape Architectural Design The proposed development occupies a particularly sensitive location within the historic City of London. The site lies beside the Grade I-listed St Helen’s Bishopsgate Church and within the St Helen’s Place Conservation Area, requiring the architectural team to carefully consider the impact of the new tower on surrounding heritage assets. WilkinsonEyre is developing the building’s form and orientation to respect important views of the historic church and maintain an appropriate relationship with the surrounding streetscape. The proposals include adjustments to the tower’s positioning and massing, alongside the creation of additional open space at ground level. Balancing the delivery of a substantial new skyscraper with the preservation of historic surroundings will be a central consideration as the project progresses through consultation and planning. The existing Exchequer Court building dates largely from the 1970s and underwent extensive refurbishment following damage caused by the 1992 Baltic Exchange bombing. AmTrust acquired the property for £105 million in 2017 and holds a long leasehold interest in the site. Sustainability and Carbon Reduction at the Heart of Proposals Sustainability will form an important part of the redevelopment strategy, with the design team exploring opportunities to reduce the building’s environmental impact through efficient building services, renewable energy and the retention of existing structural elements. The proposals include retaining sections of the existing basement, an approach intended to reduce embodied carbon associated with demolition and the construction of new below-ground structures. Energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, renewable energy technologies and additional planting are also being incorporated into the emerging design. These measures will support the development of a modern commercial building that responds to increasing expectations around environmental performance and long-term operational efficiency. The project team includes WSP as multidisciplinary engineer, Bidwells as planning consultant and SLA as landscape architect. Futurecity has been appointed to develop the cultural strategy, helping shape the proposed exhibition, events and public facilities. Planning Application Targeted for Early 2027 AmTrust has described the proposals as a significant long-term investment in London’s commercial property market. Chaya Cooperberg, Chief People and

The Crown Estate has launched the search for a main contractor to deliver the £322 million second phase of St James’s Market in London’s West End, advancing plans for a major office-led redevelopment that will combine contemporary commercial space with the restoration and integration of historic buildings. The ambitious scheme will transform a prominent urban block in the heart of the capital, delivering approximately 312,500 sq ft of new office accommodation alongside retail, restaurants and improvements to the surrounding public realm. Contractors will compete for a £222 million main construction package, with a further £100 million potentially available through an optional redevelopment of the neighbouring 130 Jermyn Street property. Up to four contractors are expected to be shortlisted for the complex project, which has been designed by Make Architects and will form the next major chapter in The Crown Estate’s regeneration of the St James’s Market district. The first phase of St James’s Market was delivered by Balfour Beatty and completed in 2017, establishing a new commercial destination within one of London’s most prestigious office, retail and leisure locations. The second phase will bring together six existing buildings to form a single urban block, bounded by Haymarket, Charles II Street, St Alban’s Street and Norris Street. At the centre of the redevelopment is the Grade II-listed Carlton Cinema on Haymarket, which will be retained and incorporated into the new development. The architectural proposals will see modern office accommodation constructed around and above the historic cinema, requiring a sophisticated structural engineering solution to accommodate the new building while preserving the heritage asset beneath. A key feature of the construction strategy will be the installation of storey-deep steel trusses spanning almost 30 metres over the retained cinema structure. This substantial engineering intervention will enable the creation of new commercial floorspace above the existing building, while addressing the structural challenges associated with developing within a tightly constrained historic urban environment. The scheme will also retain and adapt the existing Charles II Street façade, incorporating it into the redevelopment while accommodating modern office floor heights. The proposed eight-storey building will provide flexible commercial accommodation, with offices occupying the upper levels and retail and restaurant uses contributing to the activity and character of the surrounding streets. Two basement levels will accommodate essential building infrastructure, including mechanical and electrical plant, cycle parking and supporting facilities. The development’s central London location presents a number of technical and logistical challenges for the successful contractor. In addition to working around retained historic structures and neighbouring buildings, construction teams will need to carefully manage interfaces with existing London Underground infrastructure, Thames Water assets and the safeguarded route of the proposed Crossrail 2 railway. These constraints will require detailed construction sequencing, temporary works planning and coordination with infrastructure stakeholders throughout the programme. The main contract will also include the shell and core refurbishment of the Carlton Cinema, the installation of new electrical substations and improvements to the surrounding public realm. The successful contractor will additionally assume responsibility for a separate demolition package through a novation arrangement, bringing the enabling works and principal construction programme under a coordinated delivery structure. Sustainability and building performance are central to the redevelopment, with The Crown Estate targeting some of the highest environmental certification standards for the completed development. The office accommodation is being designed to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, while the retail elements will target BREEAM Excellent. The development will also pursue WELL Gold certification, reflecting an emphasis on occupant health, wellbeing and the quality of the internal working environment. Air source heat pumps will form part of the building’s energy strategy, supporting the delivery of efficient heating and cooling systems within the new commercial accommodation. The project brings together an experienced multidisciplinary design and consultancy team. Gardiner & Theobald has been appointed as project manager and cost consultant, while AKT II is providing structural engineering expertise for the technically demanding redevelopment. Watkins Payne is responsible for building services engineering and sustainability, with BIM Technologies acting as project information manager. Hyland Edgar Driver has been appointed landscape architect, supporting the integration of public realm improvements into the wider scheme. The redevelopment represents a significant investment in the future of London’s West End office market, where demand for high-quality, sustainable commercial buildings continues to influence the refurbishment and repositioning of existing property assets. By combining new office accommodation with heritage preservation, active ground-floor uses and improved environmental performance, the St James’s Market project aims to create a modern commercial destination while maintaining the architectural character of its historic surroundings. The approach also demonstrates the increasing complexity of major office developments in central London, where the integration of existing structures, constrained construction sites and demanding sustainability standards requires close collaboration between architects, engineers and specialist contractors. Construction is scheduled to commence in June 2027, with the programme expected to continue until January 2031. Once completed, the second phase of St James’s Market will represent another major addition to The Crown Estate’s West End portfolio, delivering substantial new commercial floorspace while demonstrating how historic London buildings can be incorporated into the next generation of sustainable office developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The third quarter of 2026 saw 155,297 sq ft of office space transacted across 50 deals, according to data from the Manchester Office Agents Forum (MOAF). Whilst the number of deals remained consistent with previous quarters, the total sq ft transacted is down on the 184,500 sq ft recorded in Q2, and significantly lower than required to hit the 5-year annual average of 1.1m sq ft. Despite a consistent number of transactions, the lack of larger transactions was notable and has therefore stifled take-up in Q3. The largest transaction saw Deliveroo commit to 24,975 sq ft at Tootal Building, advised by CBRE, followed by Dechra taking 14,331 sq ft at Bruntwood’s No.3 Circle Square. Leanord Curtis also acquired 10,027 sq ft Eden, developed by MUSE. Matt Shufflebottom, Director at CBRE commented; “There is no hiding from the fact Q3 was a poor performance for the city centre office market and we are behind target to hit our 5-year average of 1.1m sq ft. However, positivity should be taken by the number of deals recorded, demonstrating an active market sub 10,000 sq ft, and we expect the larger transactions to return in Q4 to boost year-end figures.” Matt added;  “The pace of decision making by occupiers has affected the market, however there are generally good levels of demand and we are therefore confident that take-up will bounce back across Q4 and into 2027.” Out-of-town office take-up was 182,281 sq ft, made up of 54,137 sq ft in Salford Quays & Old Trafford and 128,142 sq ft in South Manchester. The quarter saw two notable larger transactions complete.  Siemens plc acquired 36,922 sq ft at Towers Business Park in Didsbury whilst in Salford Quays, AM London leased 31,250 sq ft at Centenary House. John Nash, Director at Canning O’Neill commented: “The out-of-town take-up for the period has been very much in line with the quarterly average over the last five years across both markets, so it’s fair to describe it as a steady and resilient market.” On the supply side, he added: “A number of office buildings are continuing to be repurposed for alternative uses, creating a more balanced market and reducing the volume of secondary stock. As occupiers remain focused on quality, this is providing greater confidence for landlords to invest, refurbish and reposition space to meet evolving occupier requirements.” MOAF was formed in 2009, and members include Avison Young, Carter Jonas, CBRE, Colliers International, Canning O’Neill, Cushman & Wakefield, Edwards Property Consultants, Fisher German, Hallam Property Consultants, JLL, Knight Frank, LSH, OBI, Savills, and Sixteen. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

RED Group has been appointed to complete the £50 million transformation of 5 Chancery Lane in central London, providing a major boost to the landmark office refurbishment following the collapse of original main contractor Ardmore Construction Group. The appointment by developer LS Estates will see RED Group’s London division take responsibility for delivering the remaining construction works, with completion now targeted for the first quarter of 2027. The project, located in one of the capital’s established commercial districts, represents a significant investment in the refurbishment and repositioning of existing office accommodation, responding to continued demand for high-quality, sustainable workplaces in central London. Ardmore Construction Group originally commenced work on the development in early 2024, but construction was brought to a halt when the contractor entered administration in June. The interruption created uncertainty around the delivery programme, making the appointment of a replacement contractor an important milestone in bringing the redevelopment back on track. RED Group will now oversee the remaining construction activities, working alongside LS Estates and the existing project supply chain to progress the scheme towards completion. The contractor’s appointment reflects the growing importance of experience, financial stability and effective project management when taking over complex refurbishment schemes, particularly where construction has already commenced under a previous contractor. Ian Hopkinson, Group Director at RED Group, highlighted the challenges involved in restarting a major commercial redevelopment and the importance of maintaining continuity for the wider project team. “A refurbishment of this size and importance requires vast experience and the ability to quickly onboard for the benefit of the project’s supply chain and eventual occupier,” he said. “This appointment showcases our capabilities, as a stable, collaborative contractor well-positioned to take on complex schemes and provide important solutions for clients.” For LS Estates, the redevelopment remains an important part of its strategy to deliver modern, sustainable commercial accommodation while retaining the architectural character and heritage of existing London buildings. The transformation of 5 Chancery Lane also reflects the wider shift within the capital’s office development market towards upgrading and repositioning existing assets rather than relying exclusively on new-build construction. Across central London, major refurbishment and retrofit programmes are increasingly being driven by occupier expectations surrounding environmental performance, workplace quality, energy efficiency and long-term building flexibility. These considerations are particularly relevant for older commercial properties, where investment in modernisation can help extend building lifecycles and strengthen their appeal within an increasingly competitive office market. Rowan Jenkins, Managing Director at LS Estates, reaffirmed the developer’s commitment to completing the project and delivering a sustainable workplace. “LS Estates remain firmly committed to delivering 5 Chancery Lane as a sustainable office building that meets the strong demand in London’s office market,” he said. “As demand for market-leading workspaces in the capital continues to grow, it remains crucial to prioritise upgrades which maintain cultural heritage and lead on sustainability.” Jenkins added that RED Group’s appointment provided renewed confidence in the project’s delivery, with the developer looking forward to working closely with the contractor to bring the building back into use during 2027. The scheme also demonstrates the importance of maintaining investment in London’s existing commercial building stock, particularly as developers and property owners seek to improve asset performance and respond to evolving sustainability requirements. For RED Group, the contract represents a significant addition to its London construction portfolio and an opportunity to demonstrate its expertise in delivering complex refurbishment projects under challenging circumstances. With a new main contractor appointed and the development programme refocused, the £50 million transformation of 5 Chancery Lane is now moving towards its anticipated completion in early 2027, delivering another upgraded commercial property within London’s prime office market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Kier is set to deliver a major £60 million office retrofit in London’s Holborn district after being selected as preferred contractor for Railpen’s transformation of 26 Red Lion Square. The contractor is entering into a pre-construction services agreement for the 100,000 sq ft development, known as The Fenner, ahead of a planned start on site later this year. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, the extensive refurbishment will transform the existing building into eight floors of Grade A workspace, with construction expected to take around two years. Rather than pursuing wholesale redevelopment, the project will retain and reuse significant elements of the existing structure, combining this approach with substantial architectural and environmental upgrades. Plans include new façades addressing both Theobalds Road and Red Lion Square, alongside enhanced ground-floor amenities intended to improve the arrival experience and provide modern facilities for occupiers. More than 9,000 sq ft of roof terraces will also be introduced, adding external amenity space to the building and helping reposition the property for the next generation of central London office occupiers. Sustainability and operational performance are central to the redevelopment. Railpen is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A and a NABERS 5-star rating for The Fenner, placing ambitious environmental objectives at the heart of the refurbishment programme. Five contractors competed for the project, with Kier ultimately selected on the strength of its proposed team and experience delivering complex office schemes within central London. Graham Potts, regional director at Kier Construction London & Thames Valley, said: “Railpen is a new and significant client for Kier, one whose ambitious pipeline and progressive agenda aligns perfectly with our own values and approach.” The appointment further strengthens Kier’s growing workload in London’s commercial refurbishment and retrofit market. It follows the contractor securing Derwent London’s £99 million redevelopment of Holden House on Oxford Street, as well as The Crown Estate’s transformation of the Grade II-listed 10 Piccadilly, comprising approximately 90,800 sq ft. Together, the projects underline the increasing importance of retrofit within the capital’s office construction market as property owners look to modernise existing assets while retaining valuable structures and improving energy performance. The Fenner is also part of a much larger investment programme being undertaken by Railpen, encompassing around 600,000 sq ft of commercial refurbishment and development across London and Birmingham. With new façades, upgraded amenities, substantial roof terraces and ambitious environmental targets, the £60 million Holborn project will see an existing central London office asset comprehensively repositioned without sacrificing the embodied value of its underlying structure. For Kier, the scheme represents another significant addition to a growing portfolio of high-value retrofit projects as the transformation of existing buildings continues to become an increasingly important part of the UK commercial construction market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

·      Westminster Council has approved the refurbishment and modernisation of Kajima Properties Europe’s 27 Soho Square, a 31,000 sq ft Grade A office building in the heart of Central London. ·      The approved plans will revitalise the asset through a refurbishment of existing space, improvement of sustainability credentials, accessibility and façade, and introduction of a restaurant space on ground floor. ·      The scheme targets BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings and prioritises the re-use of existing building elements to minimise environmental impact. Kajima Properties Europe (KPE), the European development, investment and asset management arm of the Nikkei-listed Kajima Corporation, has secured planning consent from Westminster City Council for the refurbishment of 27 Soho Square, a 31,000 sq ft Grade A office building located on one of central London’s most famous and historic squares. Designed by Gibson Thornley, the approved plans will upgrade the existing office space, modernise building systems, design and sustainability infrastructure to target BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. New features will include outdoor private terraces on 4th and 5th floors, ground floor and part basement commercial space, improved façade and street-level aesthetic, and enhanced streetscape activation through lightwells, railings and planters. There will also be creation of new occupier amenities including showers, changing areas and bike storage. 27 Soho Square is situated within the Soho Conservation Area and benefits from unrivalled transport connectivity, including proximity to the Elizabeth Line at Tottenham Court Road station. The asset forms part of KPE’s value-add workspace strategy to invest into dynamic London sub-market opportunities supported by robust occupational demand drivers. The planning approval for 27 Soho Square builds on KPE’s growing London workspace portfolio. The firm is advancing design plans for its 1 St John’s Square workspace project in Farringdon, working alongside Carter Gregson Gray architects. Acquired in November 2025, the scheme is expected to be submitted planning later this year. KPE also recently strengthened its workspace development team with the appointment of Ian Patillo, who joins as Senior Development Manager from Landsec. Tim James, Investment Director, said: “As occupier demands intensify, the  refurbishment of 27 Soho Square will reposition the building as a high quality, highly desirable workspace in one of Central London’s most sought-after locations. The refurbishment will significantly enhance the occupier experience, address the building’s limitations and strengthen its connection to the character and vitality of Soho.  This announcement represents an important step delivering our   London value-add workspace strategy and creating a best-in-class asset with enduring occupier appeal.” Project Team: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

London based real estate investment firm Castleforge has launched One Golden Lane to market, its 120,000+ square feet of Grade A office redevelopment in the City of London. The milestone was marked with an event at One Golden Lane on 9 September 2026. Situated between the iconic Barbican Centre and Golden Lane estates, and four minutes from the Elizabeth Line at Farringdon, the building is now complete and available to occupiers. The completion comes at a demanding time for the City’s office market. With Grade A vacancy in prime City locations down to just 1.9%, occupiers are competing for a limited pool of best-in-class, well located spaces.[1] One Golden Lane responds to that demand with over 120,000 square feet of flexible, sustainable, modern office space across 12 storeys. The space includes 7,000 square feet of terraces and roof gardens designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist Andy Sturgeon, a statement double-height lobby and café, and 3,900 square feet of wellness and community space designed to support modern working patterns. Originally designed by Tate Britain architect Sidney Smith, the Grade II listed development retains its heritage features including the 1896 façade, with its upper storeys offering commanding views across the Barbican. Sustainability was designed into the scheme at the highest level. One Golden Lane retains 95% of the existing building and is the first London scheme to reuse over 5 tonnes of reclaimed steel from the same site. The development is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification, with integrated urban greening throughout and 100% renewable energy powering operations. Beyond a workplace, One Golden Lane also delivers lasting social value. The building’s retained heritage space, once home to the renowned Cripplegate Institute, now houses the Proud Places Hub, a permanent creative and heritage skills space for young Londoners delivered in partnership with Heritage of London Trust. Michael Kovacs, Founding Partner of Castleforge, said: “One Golden Lane brings 120,000 square feet of best-in-class office space to a part of the City where demand for it far outstrips what is available. Sitting a stone’s throw from the Elizabeth line, it’s one of the best-connected buildings on the market right now. “Occupiers are competing hard for well located, sustainable buildings that meet their people’s expectations. Very little of this calibre is coming through, especially in a building that keeps the character of its heritage while working for the way people want to work today.” Matthew Reid, Head of Development and Asset Management at Castleforge, said: “Delivering a building of this quality within a Grade II listed structure has been a considerable undertaking. “The team has created a genuinely modern workplace without losing the character of the 1896 building, from the restored façade through to the terraces and roof gardens.” With City development starts falling sharply and only a handful of large Grade A options available in core locations, the supply of best-in-class space is set to tighten further. Just 21 Grade A options are available now or within the next six months for occupiers seeking 100,000 sq ft or more, against 41 active requirements of that size, and only five sit in core submarkets.[2] One Golden Lane forms part of Castleforge’s wider London pipeline, which alongside 75 London Wall, Mark Lane and Vintners Place represent more than 1m sq ft of prime office space within the City, one of the largest single-developer contributions to the City’s prime office supply. The development has been delivered by Castleforge’s in-house investment, development management team, with construction by Midgard and financing from Cheyne Capital and Apollo. [1] Savills, 6 August 2026: Central London Office Market Watch [2] Savills, 6 August 2026: Central London Office Market Q2 2026 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cytix has signed for the entire 4,506 sq ft fifth floor at 101 Princess Street, taking the top floor of the Grade II listed building on a fitted and furnished basis. The Manchester cybersecurity company moves into the space this autumn, occupying the whole of the top floor including two private external terraces overlooking the city centre.  The letting was agreed in line with quoting terms. The floor was fitted, furnished and brought to market by owner Yakel, which acquired the Princess Street building in 2024 from ABRDN and has been repositioning it floor by floor since.  It was delivered with 48 desks, meeting rooms and breakout space, allowing Cytix to commit and move in without a fit-out programme. The deal leaves the 5,381 sq ft fourth floor as the only remaining conventional office floor at the building, quoting at £24 per sq ft. Samual Farage, principal at Yakel, said: “When we purchased 101, it was a building with extraordinary bones and a lot of work ahead of it.  Working with our design team, Incognito, we’ve redesigned this floor by floor, curating it for an occupier who would value the history.  Cytix is exactly the kind of enrepreneurial buisness we set out to attract to the 101 community.  Delivering the fifth floor fully fitted and furnished meant they could commit and move in quickly, which is increasingly what occupiers of this size are looking for.” “The building has come a long way in two years.  With Noon, our flex offering trading well on the second floor and plans taking shape for the rest, this letting takes us another step toward a full building.” Matt Shufflebottom, Director, CBRE, the letting agent for the building said: “Demand for well-priced, fitted and furnished workspace remains strong and we are pleased to see the 5th floor leased to Cytix.  Focus now switches to the 4th floor where we can deliver a bespoke fit-out to suit the occupier’s requirements.” The Victorian warehouse on Princess Street has been the subject of a phased refurbishment programme by Yakel, which owns and manages the building directly.  Alongside the conventional office floors, the second floor houses Noon, Yakel’s own serviced workspace brand. CBRE acted for Yakel.  Level Workspace advised Cytix. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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