Commercial : Office News
Aviva Investors completes work at flagship One Liverpool Street scheme

Aviva Investors completes work at flagship One Liverpool Street scheme

Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc, announces it has reached completion of construction works at its One Liverpool Street development scheme in the City of London. One Liverpool Street has been designed and developed to create best-in-class office headquarters fit for the future. Energy-efficiency is a

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Mace Returns to Transform Former London City Hall in £150m Retrofit

Mace Returns to Transform Former London City Hall in £150m Retrofit

Mace has begun work on a landmark £150 million redevelopment of London’s former City Hall, returning to one of the capital’s most recognisable buildings more than two decades after originally constructing it. Appointed by St Martins Property Investments, the Kuwaiti-owned real estate investor, Mace will deliver the extensive transformation of

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Vistry leases new 17,000 sq ft office at Skypark, Exeter

Vistry leases new 17,000 sq ft office at Skypark, Exeter

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has leased a 17,000 sq ft office at Skypark near Exeter. The business historically operated from two separate offices in Exeter, but they will now be located in a Grade A, 17,143 sq ft office at One Tiger Moth Road at Skypark.

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Engineering Innovation Powers Landmark Westminster Office Redevelopment

Engineering Innovation Powers Landmark Westminster Office Redevelopment

A highly complex office redevelopment in the heart of Westminster is demonstrating how innovative engineering and careful planning can help deliver major retrofit projects in some of the UK’s most constrained urban environments. Specialist tower crane manufacturer Wolffkran has played a pivotal role in supporting the transformation of 1 Victoria

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BRABNERS OPENS OFFICE AT RAILPEN’S NEWLY LAUNCHED 4 COLEMAN STREET

Brabners opens office at Railpen’s newly launched 4 Coleman Street

Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has announced that Brabners has opened an office space at 4 Coleman Street, one of the most compelling office redevelopments in the heart of London. The new space amplifies the leading UK independent law firm’s national reach, supporting its collaborative, flexible, and innovative ways of working. Brabners has taken 5,302 sq ft on 4 Coleman Street’s first floor, delivered to a fully-fitted,

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KPE Appoints Carter Gregson Gray for Farringdon Prime Office Redevelopment

KPE Appoints Carter Gregson Gray for Farringdon Prime Office Redevelopment

Kajima Properties Europe (KPE) has appointed Carter Gregson Gray (CGG) as architect for the redevelopment of 1 St John’s Square, following KPE’s recent acquisition of the prime Farringdon office site on behalf of investors. Subject to planning approval, KPE intends to undertake a comprehensive reimagining and sensitive expansion of the

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Planning approval secured for £59m state-of-the-art leisure centre and civic offices

Planning approval secured for £59m state-of-the-art leisure centre and civic offices

PLANNING has been approved for a new state-of-the-art leisure centre and civic offices in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire, designed by award-winning practice CPMG Architects. The planning approval follows positive consultations with the local community, which confirmed that the new leisure centre and corresponding office space should replace the current Green Bank Leisure

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Latest Issue
Issue 342 : Jul 2026

Commercial : Office News

Aviva Investors completes work at flagship One Liverpool Street scheme

Aviva Investors completes work at flagship One Liverpool Street scheme

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

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Red South West to deliver £42m+ in office projects across Bristol and Bath

Red South West to deliver £42m+ in office projects across Bristol and Bath

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

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Mace Returns to Transform Former London City Hall in £150m Retrofit

Mace Returns to Transform Former London City Hall in £150m Retrofit

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

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Vistry leases new 17,000 sq ft office at Skypark, Exeter

Vistry leases new 17,000 sq ft office at Skypark, Exeter

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

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Skanska Set to Deliver Landmark City Office Development at 55 Old Broad Street

Skanska Set to Deliver Landmark City Office Development at 55 Old Broad Street

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

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Engineering Innovation Powers Landmark Westminster Office Redevelopment

Engineering Innovation Powers Landmark Westminster Office Redevelopment

A highly complex office redevelopment in the heart of Westminster is demonstrating how innovative engineering and careful planning can help deliver major retrofit projects in some of the UK’s most constrained urban environments. Specialist tower crane manufacturer Wolffkran has played a pivotal role in supporting the transformation of 1 Victoria Street, where contractors Keltbray and Mace Construct are delivering the redevelopment of a prominent 1960s office building through an ambitious programme focused on retaining much of the existing structure. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding the entire building, significant elements of the original structure are being preserved, helping to reduce embodied carbon by eliminating the need for extensive new piling and foundations. However, this sustainable approach has introduced a series of unique engineering challenges. Because the original foundations are being retained, the tower cranes have been installed within the building’s basement on structural foundations more than 60 years old. This required an entirely bespoke lifting strategy, with crane positions dictated by the existing structural layout rather than conventional construction practices. The project has been carefully phased, with a total of nine Wolffkran tower cranes supporting demolition and construction activities. During the initial demolition phase, a Wolff 355 B luffing jib crane handled heavy lifting operations within the confined site, including excavators, structural steel and demolition equipment. As construction progressed, four further cranes were installed to support the delivery of the building’s reinforced concrete core and early superstructure works, including the demanding slipform construction process that requires continuous concrete placement and highly coordinated lifting operations. One of the most technically challenging aspects of the project has been adapting the cranes to work on the retained foundations. Wolffkran’s adjustable cross-frame system enabled each crane to be precisely aligned with the existing structural support points, with individual support legs configured to varying lengths to accommodate the complex geometry below ground. The engineering challenges will continue into the final stages of the project. Once the basement slabs have been completed around the crane bases, dismantling the equipment will require a carefully planned operation using ceiling hoists, specialist forklifts and skating systems, as conventional mobile cranes will not have sufficient access within the completed structure. Later this year, lifting operations will move to roof level as the next phase of construction begins, with larger luffing jib cranes supporting the installation of the upper floors, façade and building services. Scheduled for completion in early 2028, the redevelopment of 1 Victoria Street is expected to become one of central London’s most technically demanding retrofit projects, showcasing how innovative construction techniques and specialist engineering can help deliver sustainable regeneration while preserving existing building assets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BRABNERS OPENS OFFICE AT RAILPEN’S NEWLY LAUNCHED 4 COLEMAN STREET

Brabners opens office at Railpen’s newly launched 4 Coleman Street

Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has announced that Brabners has opened an office space at 4 Coleman Street, one of the most compelling office redevelopments in the heart of London. The new space amplifies the leading UK independent law firm’s national reach, supporting its collaborative, flexible, and innovative ways of working. Brabners has taken 5,302 sq ft on 4 Coleman Street’s first floor, delivered to a fully-fitted, best-in-class specification. The space includes refined reception areas, collaboration zones and meeting rooms, all designed with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, functionality, and productivity. The opening reinforces the appeal of high-quality, experience-led workspace to premier occupiers seeking prime city locations with strong amenity provision. Situated just two minutes’ walk from Moorgate Station, 4 Coleman Street offers a range of offices from 3,402 to 7,600 sq ft, across fitted and Category A floors. Targeting BREEAM Excellent and WELL Enabled certifications, 4 Coleman Street provides efficient, flexible and contemporary environments completed by premium facilities and end-of-journey amenities, including fitness studios and cycle storage. Emily Atkinson, Senior Transactional Manager at Railpen, commented: “Brabners taking space at 4 Coleman Street is a fantastic outcome and reflects our ability to create spaces for occupiers that improve day-to-day experience, and support flexibility, productivity, collaboration, and wellbeing. This deal underscores our commitment to putting the occupier at the heart of everything we do, and ensuring our assets contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the UK’s core cities.” Nik White, Managing Partner at Brabners, also said: “4 Coleman Street is a well-designed space that reflects our values, in particular by being operated with such high sustainability standards and by providing a level of amenity that genuinely supports the wellbeing of our colleagues. Of course, the office is only as good as the people in it and the relationships we build. What we’ve built in the North – our culture and commitment to doing things differently – comes with us. That’s what being purpose-led actually means to us.” Railpen’s office portfolio spans more than 600,000 sq ft of commercial space in London and Birmingham, including 101 Bayham and Jamestown Courtyard in Camden, 26 Red Lion Square in Holborn, 12 Smithfield and 125 Wood Street in the city, Thames Wharf in Hammersmith, as well as Multistory, located in the heart of Birmingham.  This programme focuses on repositioning and re-lifting existing assets to meet the flight-to-quality demand from occupiers seeking modern, amenity-rich, and sustainable city-centre offices. It also includes 1.9 million sq ft in Cambridge, made up of 11 assets, which include Mill Yard, the 180,000 sq ft mixed-use campus, and Botanic Place, its landmark 333,000 sq ft office building, both currently under construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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KPE Appoints Carter Gregson Gray for Farringdon Prime Office Redevelopment

KPE Appoints Carter Gregson Gray for Farringdon Prime Office Redevelopment

Kajima Properties Europe (KPE) has appointed Carter Gregson Gray (CGG) as architect for the redevelopment of 1 St John’s Square, following KPE’s recent acquisition of the prime Farringdon office site on behalf of investors. Subject to planning approval, KPE intends to undertake a comprehensive reimagining and sensitive expansion of the 27,000 sq ft building. CGG will lead the architectural design, working closely with KPE’s in‑house development team to deliver a modern, sustainable and future‑focused workplace. CGG brings a strong design ethos and proven capability to the project. The practice specialises in the design and delivery of complex, technical buildings at all scales and consistently challenges convention through innovative and sustainable solutions. Its experience spans both emerging and historic contexts, with a focus on creating confident, contextual architecture that delivers meaningful social and environmental impact. CGG’s recent work includes securing planning approval for the transformation of the London Stock Exchange, a milestone that underscores the practice’s ability to deliver high‑profile, sensitive and design‑led commercial schemes. The architectural design of the 1 St John’s Square project will be led by an experienced core team from CGG (see notes to editors for full bios): Located just a few minutes’ walk from Farringdon Station and benefitting from exceptional connectivity via the Elizabeth Line, Thameslink and the London Underground, the area continues to attract leading financial, technology and creative occupiers. The scheme will reflect KPE’s commitment to ESG‑driven development and best‑in‑class design, building on the company’s strong track record in delivering high‑quality workspace. The acquisition and architect appointment further strengthen KPE’s expanding central London portfolio, which includes 77 Coleman Street, 16 Berners Street and 27 Soho Square. About Kajima Properties Europe (KPE) KPE is an established UK and European development and investment management business supported by the global strength of its parent company, Kajima Corporation. Founded in Japan in 1840, Kajima Corporation has grown into one of the world’s leading real estate and construction groups, giving KPE the heritage and global reach to deliver with confidence. KPE specialises in developing, repositioning, and investing across sectors where long-term value is identified, spanning logistics, living, and workspace. The business originates and manages investments for both its own balance sheet and investor clients. KPE has an exceptional track record in managing core+ and value-add strategies, outperforming respective benchmarks to ensure investors exceed target returns. kajima-properties.co.uk About Carter Gregson Gray Carter Gregson Gray are London based architects with international experience and a global outlook. We design thoughtful places to live, work, learn and play. We work within emerging and historic settings and have demonstrated our ability to deliver confident buildings in sensitive locations. We have in depth experience of designing and delivering complex, technical buildings at all scales and use this experience to challenge and question the norm with innovative, sustainable solutions. We are committed to delivering useful, beautiful architecture with a positive social and environmental impact. www.cartergregsongray.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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8 Bishopsgate hits fully let status with King & Spalding expansion

8 Bishopsgate hits fully let status with King & Spalding expansion

Mitsubishi Estate London (MEL) and Stanhope have secured full occupancy as international law firm King & Spalding will be expanding its office space in the building by signing the final floor available. Taking the highest office floor in the building at Level 47 on a 12-year lease, the new office space totals 8,479 sq ft, increasing King & Spalding’s total footprint to seven floors and almost 60,000 sq ft. King & Spalding signed on Levels 27-31 in 2023 and expanded into the 41st floor in 2025.  Spanning 550,000 sq ft the 47-office floor tower is now fully occupied. 8 Bishopsgate has proved to be a pioneering development that has attracted occupiers from a range of sectors from across the City and West End markets. The first development to truly deliver a range of occupier focused amenity, 10% of the building – representing 75,000 sq ft – is dedicated to amenity space. This includes the Think Tank, a dedicated 200-seat auditorium, with associated meeting rooms, alongside a range of food and beverage offerings on the ground, 1st and 26th floors. The Lookout, a free public viewing gallery and private event space on the 50th floor that offers unrivalled views of Central London. 8 Bishopsgate has exceptional sustainability credentials, as the first tower in London to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and is EPC A rated. Kevin Darvishi, Head of Leasing at Stanhope said: “Reaching full occupancy at 8 Bishopsgate is a landmark moment and clear endorsement of the long-term vision behind the building, from its sustainability credentials through to the breadth of amenity. Following a competitive leasing process with occupiers vying for the last space in the building, King & Spalding’s continued expansion underlines how 8 Bishopsgate meets the changing needs of today’s world-class organisations in the City of London.” Shinichi Kagitomi, Chief Executive of Mitsubishi Estate London, said: “Leasing the final tranche of space at 8 Bishopsgate is a huge milestone for us. Since completion, demand for space at the building has consistently exceeded expectations, reflecting occupiers’ continued focus on best-in-class workplaces that support collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability. It is the best possible endorsement to have an existing occupier increase its presence within the building and we are pleased to have been able to accommodate King & Spalding’s expansion needs.” Tom Sprange KC, King & Spalding London Office Managing Partner, said: “We moved into 8 Bishopsgate two years ago and the fact we have taken on two new floors since then, including now the 47th floor, underscores the importance of the building to the firm’s expanding London practice. As we look forward to continued growth and new opportunities, the additional space in such an impressive building will play a vital role in realising our ambitions.” 8 Bishopsgate’s occupiers include: Access, AEW, BancTrust & Co., Bayern Landesbank, Bentley Systems, Cambiaso Risso Group, CFC, CITIC CLSA, Faegre Drinker, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Harmonic, Helios Towers, Huckletree, JB Draw Honore, King & Spalding, Mewburn Ellis, Proskauer, SCOR Investment Partners, Shinhan Bank and SThree. Knight Frank and Newmark advised MEL and Stanhope. Cushman & Wakefield advised King & Spalding. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning approval secured for £59m state-of-the-art leisure centre and civic offices

Planning approval secured for £59m state-of-the-art leisure centre and civic offices

PLANNING has been approved for a new state-of-the-art leisure centre and civic offices in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire, designed by award-winning practice CPMG Architects. The planning approval follows positive consultations with the local community, which confirmed that the new leisure centre and corresponding office space should replace the current Green Bank Leisure Centre and local authority offices – making way for significant regeneration of Swadlincote town centre. Within the leisure centre’s design is a six-court sports hall and two swimming pools, alongside a fitness suite and multi-purpose studios. The leisure centre’s verdant setting next to a pond, parkland and a golf course is exploited to the full, with an accessible 360-degree approach, in which users will be able to move easily around the building and connect to surrounding outdoor spaces. To ensure optimal cohesivity, features such as moveable glazing have been incorporated to tie together the inside and outside of the building. Office users benefit hugely from the office’s co-location with the leisure centre within the surrounding parkland. The office space includes meeting rooms and open plan workspaces across three levels and will be predominantly transparent to maximise views of the surrounding landscape whilst a brise soleil will help reduce solar gain and glare. In keeping with Swadlincote’s rural surroundings, biodiversity and its location within the National Forest, the project team alongside South Derbyshire District Council has been committed to design that compliments and improves the local landscape. This included the use of timber in prominent locations of the project and a landscaping design carried out by Ares Landscape Architects. The building is set to be entirely reliant on air source heat pumps, with clean electricity to be generated from photovoltaic panels on the roof, helping to cut approximately 26,000kg of CO₂ annually. Alessio Granata, senior architect at CPMG, said: “The plans for Swadlincote Leisure Centre showcase a futureproofed design, one that will support the local community for years to come. Working alongside the council and our project partners, we’re now in a position where we will soon begin to see our design come to life – which is incredibly exciting. “As a practice, we are continually focused on implementing designs that have a people-first approach and Swadlincote Leisure Centre is a clear example of this in practice. From the exterior to the interior – the design aims to create a space that offers more than just leisure activities, but also a place where the local community can come together and interact.” Councillor Robert Pearson, leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “This is a hugely exciting milestone for the project and for South Derbyshire. These proposals will deliver modern, high-quality leisure and community facilities that residents can be proud of for generations to come. “What is especially positive is that the scheme has continued to evolve through meaningful engagement with local people, sports clubs and community groups. The decision to increase the size of the sports hall demonstrates that we have listened carefully to the feedback we received and responded positively to it. “This development represents a major investment in health, wellbeing, sport and the future of Swadlincote.” CPMG was appointed to the project in August 2025 through Procure Partnerships’ Professional Services Framework. Will Cooper, key account coordinator (East and West) at Procure Partnerships, said: “Swadlincote Leisure Centre is one of the most exciting schemes the region has seen in years. We are proud to be playing a part in such an ambitious regeneration for the area and to have supported the procurement of CPMG as lead architects, along with the wider design team. We are delighted that planning has been secured and look forward to seeing the scheme’s progression and the benefits it will bring to the community.” With planning approval secured, enabling works are due to commence in summer 2026 and opening is expected in spring 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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