Commercial : Office News
Landmark £22.4 million office development for M&G in Stirling is short-listed for Scottish Property Award

Landmark £22.4 million office development for M&G in Stirling is short-listed for Scottish Property Award

New office for M&G plc sets the standard for sustainable development in Stirling Stirling Development Agency Limited’s (SDA’s) recently completed development at Kildean Business Park has been short-listed for the 2023 Scottish Property Awards in the commercial development of the year category. The £22.4 million bespoke office building was developed

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Legal & General and Landid top out in Sunderland

Legal & General and Landid top out in Sunderland

TWO new build office buildings that will change the face of Sunderland city centre have ‘topped out’ with a traditional ceremony yesterday.  Maker and Faber, two new offices on Riverside Sunderland backed by Legal & General, will create 150,000 sq ft of Grade A space for professional services firms, as

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Mace appointed contractor on Edenica

Mace appointed contractor on Edenica

Mace, the international construction and consultancy company, has been appointed by BauMont Real Estate Capital and YardNine to deliver ‘Edenica’, an office and retail development at 100 Fetter Lane in London. Planning consent for the former offices of DAC Beachcroft and the White Swan pub at 108 Fetter Lane includes

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Home Group Newcastle office project complete

Home Group Newcastle office project complete

Developer Ask Real Estate has handed over One Strawberry Lane in Newcastle city centre to Home Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of social housing. The 70,000 sq ft six storey building, designed by Ryder Architecture and built by BAM Construction, is Home Group’s new headquarters providing a sustainable

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Greater Emphasis Needed on Designing Inclusive Workplaces

CBRE report Greater Emphasis needed on Designing inclusive Workplaces

The real estate industry has an opportunity to embrace inclusive design and make workplaces more appropriate, according to a new report. The analysis, from global real estate advisor CBRE, found that despite many organisations striving to improve diversity, equity and inclusion through new policies and culture, a third (32%) of respondents

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Commercial : Office News

Virgin Media O2 chooses British Land's Paddington Central for its new headquarters

Virgin Media O2 chooses British Land’s Paddington Central for its new headquarters

Telecoms business to consolidate its office space within newly refurbished, all-electric 3 Sheldon Square British Land has signed an agreement to lease 83,000 sq ft of space over seven floors to Virgin Media O2 at 3 Sheldon Square, a newly refurbished office building at Paddington Central, which will act as the telecoms company’s new headquarters. The deal takes the building to 60% let, ahead of its opening in February 2024. 3 Sheldon Square is currently undergoing a full refurbishment, significantly reducing the embodied carbon in the development through retention and reuse of the existing structure and materials. The building will be all electric, including the installation of air source heat pumps, which will reduce operational energy demand by over 40%, well ahead of British Land’s 2030 target to improve building energy intensity by 25%. In addition, new terraces, improving the façade and amenity of the building, will be installed overlooking Sheldon Square. The refurbishment will deliver a BREEAM Excellent certification and is targeting an EPC rating of A. An extensive upgrade to the public realm at Paddington Central is also underway to enhance the landscaping across the site, while works are ongoing to comprehensively update the amphitheatre, revitalising the central part of the campus for all visitors to enjoy. Darren Richards, Head of Real Estate at British Land, said: “As businesses re-evaluate their workspace requirements in the wake of the pandemic, demand is clearly moving towards high quality, sustainable space in central locations with excellent amenities. Virgin Media O2’s decision to consolidate its team at the newly refurbished 3 Sheldon Square reflects this trend, and underlines the appeal of Paddington Central and our London campuses to innovative businesses.” David Walker, Chief Operating Officer at British Land, said: “This is a fantastic example of our sustainability strategy in action, limiting embodied carbon through retaining the original building while delivering best in class space and improving energy efficiency. This fully refurbished scheme is well ahead of our 2030 target of a 25% improvement in whole building energy efficiency and lowers operational costs for our customers.” Rodney Hogg, Director of Property, Facilities, Fleet and Energy at Virgin Media O2 commented: “By investing in a brand new, connected and state-of-the-art office space, we’re creating even better opportunities for our people to come together, work and collaborate. This purpose-built space, just a short train ride from our other major site in Reading, offers brilliant connectivity and impressive sustainability credentials helping us deliver for both our people and the planet.” 3 Sheldon Square is a 140,000 sq ft office building located at Paddington Central, an 11 acre London campus. Situated next to Paddington Station and the Grand Union Canal, the campus benefits from a central London location, proximity to excellent transport links including the London Underground, mainline rail, Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line, as well as exciting cafes, restaurants and bars. Virgin Media O2 has a major office in Green Park, Reading, just a short train ride from the new location in Paddington, meaning staff will be able to move quickly and easily between the two core sites when Sheldon Square opens. British Land owns Paddington Central in a Joint Venture with GIC. Prior to this partnership, British Land invested £100 million into transforming the campus including upgrading the public realm, developing an additional office building and boosting the retail and leisure offering. It is home to leading global businesses across technology, telecoms and pharmaceutical industries including Microsoft, Visa and Prudential, as well as restaurant and operators Vagabond Wines, Pergola Paddington, Wagamama and London Shell Co. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Canvas Offices unveils plans to transform 321 Oxford Street into flexible office space

Canvas Offices unveils plans to transform 321 Oxford Street into flexible office space

Fast-growing flexible office space provider, Canvas Offices, has unveiled plans to transform 321 Oxford Street into a creative and inspiring work environment, after agreeing a long-term 25-year lease for the building. Soon to be the 13th in the Canvas Offices portfolio, 321 Oxford Street stretches across five floors, and – until now – has been utilised as a retail unit with accompanying storage space. The building boasts an extensive history, having been the trading address of oil and colourman artist, John Sherbor, between 1820-1848 – aptly affirming its creative roots. Committed to providing authentic and modern work environments in sought-after locations across the Capital, the Canvas team will now embark on an extensive refurbishment programme for 321 Oxford Street, culminating in creative and inspiring spaces that provide businesses with true value for money and effectively blur the lines between home and work. This latest development follows a series of positive announcements for the Canvas brand, having secured £2.5 million in debt investment in October 2022 to utilise towards tripling the size of the business, followed by the completion of its 12th building in St John’s Lane, Farringdon. Discussing the new lease for 321 Oxford Street, Yaron Rosenblum, co-founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, said: “Since launching Canvas in 2018, we have successfully developed a model that benefits Landlords and businesses alike in sourcing vacant or underperforming buildings across the Capital and transforming them into really engaging work environments, which have been carefully designed to enable businesses to grow and thrive. We are incredibly excited to have secured the long-term lease for 321 Oxford Street and are now working hard to refurbish the building in a 5-6 month timeframe. As part of this process, we always invite potential clients to visit the building and discuss their needs, so the space is right for them and their business, making it their own bespoke office they can call home. Since finalising our debt investment in October 2022, the Canvas team have taken great strides in delivering our growth strategy, with 10 additional buildings forecast to open within the next 18-months, including 321 Oxford Street – watch this space.” Headquartered in Shoreditch with buildings in Mayfair, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and Old Street, Canvas boasts an average 98.4% occupancy rate across its entire portfolio, with growing waiting lists and strong occupier demand. The strength of its demand is highlighted by the success of its 12th building in St John’s Lane, Farringdon, where Canvas had sent contracts out to complete 100% occupancy ahead of officially opening its doors. Underpinned by a growing team of industry experts, Canvas buildings are home to ever expanding businesses from start-ups to Global HQs, including influential brands like Rough Trade, Patchwork, Malin+Goetz, and Augustinus Bader. For more information about Canvas, visit: https://canvasoffices.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Landmark £22.4 million office development for M&G in Stirling is short-listed for Scottish Property Award

Landmark £22.4 million office development for M&G in Stirling is short-listed for Scottish Property Award

New office for M&G plc sets the standard for sustainable development in Stirling Stirling Development Agency Limited’s (SDA’s) recently completed development at Kildean Business Park has been short-listed for the 2023 Scottish Property Awards in the commercial development of the year category. The £22.4 million bespoke office building was developed for M&G plc in Stirling. Providing 77,380 sq ft of Grade A office space across three floors, this striking landmark building sets the standard for sustainable office development in Stirling and the central belt of Scotland. Built on a six-acre riverside site, close to the entrance of Kildean Business Park at junction 10 of the M9, the building has panoramic views towards Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. The building has been designed to BCO 2019 standards, accredited ‘BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has achieved an EPC ‘B’ rating. It was constructed with sustainability and well-being firmly in mind, with all-electric infrastructure and VRF air conditioning. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, a number of the bespoke design features allow for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, energy waste and energy consumption, including enhanced thermal insulation and next-generation air source heat pump technology to maximise efficiency. By using point of use domestic hot water heaters, low energy equipment, LED lighting on all floors and high-performance building materials, the property will enable M&G to reduce their environmental footprint. The design of the development makes use of natural light-filled spaces and offers 100% ventilated fresh air delivered to the working environment via heat-recovery air handling units to support the health and well-being of staff. Set in a beautiful riverside location on the banks of the River Forth, the building offers a safe and secure, green and sustainable environment that also features outdoor meeting and eating areas, along with an outdoor exercise zone, a pilates area and raised bed gardens for the staff gardening club. Externally, there are 280 car parking spaces, including 62 EV charging bays, on-site coach parking, 88 covered and secure bike racks plus locker spaces with changing and shower facilities. David Lawrence, Head of Strategic Projects, Europe at Cromwell Property Group and SDA Board Member said: “Our vision is to create an environmentally friendly business park offering sustainable workspace within a green landscape. The new office building is a great example of our collaborative approach to development and commitment to sustainability. “It is another major step forward in the on-going growth of Kildean Business Park and we are hugely honoured for it to be short-listed for this award. “The new building will offer a contemporary and modern working environment, but crucially all set within a highly sustainable office, with significantly reduced operational energy demand. This is of particular importance given the environmental benefits of reduced energy consumption. Stephen Brewer, Project Director of Michael Laird Architects said: “This development has created a new landmark for Stirling. Sustainability has been a core focus during the design and development of this project, to meet occupier requirements for low emissions and a reduction in environmental footprint through careful material specification and high-quality construction of the external envelope to meet and exceed minimum standards for insulation and airtightness. “Strong rustic brick and metallic bronze-coloured windows combine to create a contemporary Scottish aesthetic in this magnificent setting. “Completing this project is a significant milestone and we are very proud of the sustainability credentials it has achieved.” Craig Watson, Director of JLL said:  “Kildean is one of the most sustainable and green business parks in Scotland. We anticipate that it will be an attractive prospect for many occupiers due to the high specification, strong environmental credentials and excellent connectivity.” The journey for the successful completion of this project started at the end of 2019 and continued during the pandemic in 2020, with planning submitted at the end of May 2020. Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc completed a £22.4 million forward funding agreement with SDA in January 2021 and the pre-let off plan 20-year lease of the office building to M&G plc was agreed and construction commenced in February 2021. Practical completion of CAT A and CAT B was achieved in May 2022, with tenant CAT C in August 2022. Kildean Business Park is just 35 minutes away from Glasgow / Edinburgh and easily accessible by the M80 and M9 motorways ensuring all that Scotland has to offer is close at hand. Designed as a high quality, environmentally sensitive development, the masterplan is capable of delivering more than 400,000 sq ft (37,161 sq m) of new Grade A office accommodation. The size and use of the individual buildings can be tailored to suit specific requirements, subject to planning. JLL is letting agent for SDA at Kildean Business Park. Further information on other opportunities at the park can be found HERE The full list of those short-listed for the 2023 Scottish Property Awards can be found HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Legal & General and Landid top out in Sunderland

Legal & General and Landid top out in Sunderland

TWO new build office buildings that will change the face of Sunderland city centre have ‘topped out’ with a traditional ceremony yesterday.  Maker and Faber, two new offices on Riverside Sunderland backed by Legal & General, will create 150,000 sq ft of Grade A space for professional services firms, as well as exciting retailers on the ground floor.  With the steel frames now fully erected, the two new buildings are already making their mark on the city.  Legal & General chief executive, Sir Nigel Wilson, made his way to the top of Maker for a traditional topping out ceremony this morning, alongside Sir Andrew McAlpine, partner at Sir Robert McAlpine, the building and engineering company delivering the scheme; Landid MD James Silver; as well as the chief executive of Sunderland City Council, Patrick Melia.   Part of Riverside Sunderland – a mixed-use urban quarter that is extending the footprint of the city centre – Maker and Faber are two key new additions to the city’s property portfolio, that will attract businesses offering thousands of new jobs when they open their doors in 2024. They are part of Legal & General’s £100m commitment to the Riverside Sunderland site, alongside a further £60 million to transform the Hilthorn Park area for new economic development, delivering important infrastructure and regeneration which responds to the needs of the local area, and enables long term job creation.   Sir Nigel Wilson said: “These are hugely significant developments that will not only change the face of Sunderland but will deliver a vital boost to the economy in a city that is fast becoming a poster child of urban regeneration.  “This is Inclusive Capitalism at its best.  With an injection of long-term capital, towns and cities can be completely transformed, and have a direct positive social impact, creating jobs and supporting real wage increases, whilst creating a virtuous circle by generating income to pay pensioners.” Maker stands six storeys high, providing 80,000 sq ft of office space, and Faber at five-storeys high, will deliver 70,000 sq ft of accommodation and has already confirmed that 400 staff from RSA will move into the building in spring 2024. Maker and Faber represent the only speculative city centre office spaces in development in the North of England this year. James Silver, managing director of Landid, said: “It was wonderful to see Maker and Faber top out in style this morning, a milestone moment as construction of these brilliant buildings gathers pace. “Seeing the shell of Maker and Faber in position – the realisation of many, many months of planning and hard work – is a proud moment for us at Landid and in just over a year, we’ll be ready to welcome businesses that will play a key part in regenerating Sunderland city centre.” Sir Andrew McAlpine, a partner at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “These are two hugely impressive buildings, and seeing them pierce the skyline in Sunderland is a proud day for us. We’re delighted to be playing a part in transforming the city centre with a development that will create jobs and opportunities for local people and businesses. During the construction, we are keen to generate social value for the community, recruiting local workforce and supply chain partners and supporting training opportunities in the region.” Maker and Faber are a key part of Riverside Sunderland, named Best Future Place at the prestigious Pineapple Awards, which will create a vibrant, mixed-use site, comprising 1,000 new homes for up to 2,500 new residents, as well as a range of new places to enjoy – including parkland both sides of the river, and ‘the UK’s best library’, Culture House – and 1m sq ft of office space. It will boost the number of people living and working in the heart of the city, creating a stronger daytime and evening economy by doubling the resident population of the city centre from 2,500 to 5,000 and increasing employment by 50% to 18,000. Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “Topping out is a key moment in the development of any new building, but the sense of tradition and occasion today made this extra special.   “These are game-changing developments for Sunderland, and – as these two buildings top out – we move that step closer to realising the impact they will have, not only through the physical change they bring, but through the confidence they will give to our city centre traders who will reap the benefit of thousands more people on the doorstep by day and evening.” Both buildings are being actively marketed by commercial property agents Knight Frank and JLL with Faber already having attracted its first tenant, RSA, bringing 400 jobs to the city centre.  To stay up to date with Maker and Faber’s development, visit www.makerfaber.co.uk or follow @makerandfaber on social media. To enquire about space within the buildings, contact Richard Thornton from JLL at Richard.Thornton@eu.jll.com or on 0113 235 5269 or contact Patrick Matheson at Knight Frank at Patrick.matheson@knightfrank.com or on 0191 594 5001. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lichfields secure planning for Atenor’s retrofit of Fleet House office in City of London

On behalf of pan-European developer Atenor, Lichfields – the national planning and development consultancy – has secured planning approval for the deep retrofit of Fleet House near Blackfriars Station in the heart of London to create a best-in-class sustainable workspace. Designed by global architects HOK, the project will see more than two-thirds of the current structure retained, ensuring the preservation of the existing embodied carbon and cutting the project’s environment impact. The new-look sustainable office building, which is being designed to achieve a minimum of BREEAM Excellent standards, will provide more than 77,000 sq. ft. of high-quality accommodation across eight storeys. The City of London’s planning sub-committee unanimously resolved to grant the scheme planning permission today (31 January 2023), following the planning officer’s recommendation for approval. Atenor, which is listed on the Euronext Brussels market, has projects in ten European countries, comprising office, residential and mixed-use. Atenor is recognised as an industry leader for ESG and recently achieved a 5/5 Star GRESB rating, the global benchmark for ESG-compliant real estate. Fleet House is fully aligned with this approach, with the rejuvenated building being designed to prioritise the wellbeing of the building’s users as well as the wider community with adherence to best-in-class WELL principles and biophilic design. Features for those working at the building will include short and long stay cycling parking, high-quality end-of-trip facilities and four unique external terraces – most with spectacular views of St Paul’s Cathedral.  A range of new public amenities will also be created including a new pedestrian priority route connecting Bride Lane and Bridewell Place, an art wall, a new 1,300 sq. ft. (120 sq. m) juice bar/café, double-height office lobby with green wall and plentiful natural light and a 4,000 sq. ft (370 sq. m) re-provided public house at ground-floor and part-basement level. Alison Bembenek, associate director of Lichfields, who secured approval, said redevelopment will create jobs and provide a welcome boost to the locality. She added: “This a great redevelopment project with sustainability at its heart. It will certainly enhance the area and will undoubtedly contribute positively to this part of the City.” Eoin Conroy, Country Director UK for Atenor, said:“This is a major milestone for Atenor in the UK and highlights our ambition and focus to create beautiful places founded on sustainability and wellbeing. Our approved plans for Fleet House supersede a previously consented scheme that would have seen the existing building completely demolished and a new one built from scratch. “Instead, 72% of the building’s existing structure will now be retained, emphasising our belief that the adoption of sustainable practices at the design and construction phases is both the right thing to do and will make this building more appealing to future occupiers. We look forward to bringing forward further London opportunities in the near future.” David Weatherhead, HOK design principal, added:“HOK is delighted that Fleet House has been granted planning approval. The design provides a vast array of public benefits, including a new pedestrian passageway linking Bridewell Place and Bride Lane, along with active and inclusive ground floor uses, including a Public House. We have designed a modern, vibrant and sustainable place of work, embedding WELL principles and incorporating nature at every floor. We look forward to this exciting project being realised.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Mace appointed contractor on Edenica

Mace appointed contractor on Edenica

Mace, the international construction and consultancy company, has been appointed by BauMont Real Estate Capital and YardNine to deliver ‘Edenica’, an office and retail development at 100 Fetter Lane in London. Planning consent for the former offices of DAC Beachcroft and the White Swan pub at 108 Fetter Lane includes the demolition of the existing buildings and the delivery of a new 12-storey development, roof gardens, new pedestrian route and pocket square at ground level, as well as ancillary cycle parking. The White Swan will be retained and relocated to the north-east corner of the site. The 95,000 sq ft development, designed by Fletcher Priest Architects, will target the highest environmental standards of BREEAM Outstanding, as well as WiredScore, SmartScore and WELL certifications. Sustainability, technology and wellbeing are extensively incorporated into the design including generous planted terraces, facilities to encourage active modes of travel and high-performance 100% electric building services to ensure the building achieves carbon neutrality in use. Edenica is the first scheme within the City of London to be designed as a ‘storage bank’ where materials are held for future reuse, through the use of ‘Materials Passports’. Materials Passports are digital data sets that describe characteristics of materials and components in products and systems, giving them value for present use, recovery and future reuse. Delivery for the new scheme is targeted for Q4 2024. Ged Simmonds, Managing Director for Offices, Construct, at Mace, said: “We are excited to take on the delivery of such an ambitious development, raising the bar on sustainability through the use of material passports, as well as smart technology to enhance occupier wellbeing.” Campbell MacDougall, Director of YardNine said: “This is an important milestone in the delivery of Edenica and we are looking forward to working closely with Mace to bring forward this best-in-class office development in the centre of London.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Island Quarter releases striking new CGIs of bioscience innovation facility

The Island Quarter releases striking new CGIs of bioscience innovation facility

BRAND new images released today by the developer behind Nottingham’s The Island Quarter development showcase what the scheme’s next phase – a ground-breaking new bioscience facility – could look like. Designed by CPMG Architects, the plans include 245,000 sq ft of high quality, flexible research and laboratory space, across two buildings that will be connected by a glazed link at upper levels and provide a mixture of laboratory, office and meeting spaces. Proposals were submitted by The Conygar Investment Company PLC to Nottingham City Council in December and, if approved, will see the facility boost the city’s reputation as the bioscience capital of the UK, acting as an incubator for new and growing businesses within the sector. Christopher Ware, property director at Conygar, said: “Nottingham is a centre of innovation and no more so than within the biosciences sector. This latest phase of The Island Quarter shows our commitment to supporting the city’s role as a leader in the sector by developing a brand new facility to house and nurture some of the most exciting and innovative businesses in the UK.” The newly released images showcase the facility’s rainwater gardens and medicinal planting as part of the building’s external landscaping, with an ecology-focussed street that links the latest phase with the rest of The Island Quarter – echoing the vision for the overall site. This includes raised planters made with natural stone paving blocks in the style of those found in the heritage buildings – connecting the site’s history with its future. David Jones, director at planning and environmental consultancy Axis, added: “The Island Quarter is a hugely important regeneration opportunity for the city and these new images will help people visualise the next phase of development at the site, for a state-of-the-art biosciences facility to complement what the city already has to offer.” The surroundings are designed to respond to the emerging wider masterplan, which is being developed in collaboration with the planning authority and is the subject of ongoing community engagement. These latest proposals will continue the development of the northern edge of the 36-acre development, which also features a 693-bed student accommodation block, due for completion in summer 2024. To find out more about The Island Quarter, please visit: theislandquarter.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Home Group Newcastle office project complete

Home Group Newcastle office project complete

Developer Ask Real Estate has handed over One Strawberry Lane in Newcastle city centre to Home Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of social housing. The 70,000 sq ft six storey building, designed by Ryder Architecture and built by BAM Construction, is Home Group’s new headquarters providing a sustainable workspace for 700 of its 3,500 strong workforce. It will be open and accessible to the local community and is the first workspace in the UK to be specifically designed for a post-Covid hybrid way of working. Home Group has taken a 30 year lease on the building which was acquired by Canada Life Asset Management in 2020 for approximately £30 million. Two of the five floors will be let to external organisations. During development, Home Group has worked closely with Connected Voice, an organisation which supports local charities, social enterprises and voluntary community groups, to help tailor One Strawberry Lane’s space, and the expertise within. During construction One Strawberry Lane returned a 44% social value score, (validated by The Social Value Portal), three times the national average for a similar sized project. Home Group and its delivery partners Ask and BAM also set up a community projects fund, with a pot of £150,000, comprising financial contributions, labour and donated materials. Seven projects run by local charities and community groups were selected for support, including: a new lwellbeing centre at The Mercy Hub; a community garden at Pendower and the redecoration of the West End Foodbank. Ask worked closely with Home Group to secure funding and to deliver a next generation office building which would satisfy the Group’s long term workspace requirements whilst also delivering a highly sustainable, energy efficient and flexible building. One Strawberry Lane is the first in the region to achieve both SmartScore and WiredScore certifications. Mark Henderson, Chief Executive of Home Group, said: “This is a building like no other presently in the city. We are proud to be leading the way for things like SmartScore certification and to deliver the first purpose-built workspace for hybrid working. But, for me, what sets One Strawberry Lane apart above all else is the fact it will be integrated into its environment, working to support and interact with the city’s organisations, businesses and communities. Home Group has been rooted in the North-East for close to 90 years. We know this region, we know this city and we know its communities. One Strawberry Lane represents Home Group’s absolute determination to be ever closer linked into our communities. And I hope our office is the beginning of a trend for city centre offices to be more open and welcoming to their fellow citizens and be a part of a vibrant city culture.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaughlin & Harvey appointed to start construction work at new Glasgow office project

McLaughlin & Harvey appointed to start construction work at new Glasgow office project

Property investment and development company CEG has appointed national construction company, McLaughlin & Harvey, to commence construction works for the landmark Glasgow office space development at 33 Cadogan Street (formerly known as The Grid). CEG has secured equity funding from its existing investors, primarily sourced from Swedish State Pension Funds AP1 and AP4, managing two of the buffer funds in the Swedish public pension system. AP1 and AP4 have a strong commitment to sustainability and have a long track record of investing in UK regional cities with CEG. With full planning permission in place for the c.300,000 sq. ft office development, and the site already cleared and enabled for construction, the development will complete in summer 2025. Paul Richardson, investment manager at CEG, said: “The start on site with this speculative development is testament to CEG’s confidence in the Glasgow market. The city is suffering from an acute lack of Grade A office supply and 33 Cadogan Street will help to remedy that. “A best-in-class office development, targeting the highest sustainability credentials, it will respond to occupier’s demands for Net Zero Carbon in operation office space, as well as providing fantastic amenities and a healthy and productive place to work.” Glasgow based architects, Cooper Cromar, has helped CEG enhance the sustainability credentials in the design of the new development. JLL and CBRE have been appointed as joint agents to market 33 Cadogan Street. Andy Cunningham, senior director CBRE, said: “The flight to quality has diminished the availability of top-quality office space in Glasgow and Covid-19 only accelerated this trend. With no new build development being delivered until 33 Cadogan Street completes in Summer 2025, we anticipate pent up demand from occupiers.” Alistair Reid, Director at JLL, added: “33 Cadogan Street has been designed with sustainability and occupier amenity at its heart, to further support the return of occupiers to the office in a post-pandemic world. Targeting Net Zero Carbon in operation, the building aims to align with occupiers’ corporate carbon reduction goals” CEG has a track record of delivering award-winning offices in Scotland. Following the development of Aurora on Bothwell Street in 2006, the company helped to kickstart the regeneration of the area with its 178,000 sq. ft new build. The successful speculative development was fully let within six months of completion. The company’s Onyx development in Glasgow was recently redeveloped to deliver a new café, an extensive range of facilities for cyclists and new flexible Let Ready studios, providing fully furnished grow-on space for smaller companies and project or satellite space for larger firms. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Greater Emphasis Needed on Designing Inclusive Workplaces

CBRE report Greater Emphasis needed on Designing inclusive Workplaces

The real estate industry has an opportunity to embrace inclusive design and make workplaces more appropriate, according to a new report. The analysis, from global real estate advisor CBRE, found that despite many organisations striving to improve diversity, equity and inclusion through new policies and culture, a third (32%) of respondents felt that inclusive design was ‘not important at all’ or ‘not relevant’ to real estate. As well as considering the physical or ‘built’ environment, the report – Building Belonging – highlighted that human and digital components must be considered when planning a space. For example, in addition to physical elements such as designated collaborative and quiet areas, the human desire to socialise and the need for appropriate training on digital tools must be considered in order for a space to be fully inclusive and accessible for all.  Jennet Siebrits, Head of UK Research, CBRE, said: “Inclusive design benefits everyone and is incredibly important in attracting a diverse range of talent to the workplace. A workplace that promotes inclusion enables all employees to feel welcome and perform at their best, but sadly incorporating inclusive design remains a relatively low priority for office occupiers, despite its growing importance for organisations to attract and retain diverse talent. “We know that there are several factors contributing to employees leaving their jobs, including lack of flexibility, salary and poor management. However, a primary reason that continually leads to attrition is a toxic workplace culture, suggesting that lack of inclusion and respect are common deciding factors. People don’t stay where they don’t feel they belong, and the pandemic has only magnified this. Making a space usable, flexible and adaptable through inclusive design is key to supporting people.” The CBRE report identified five key areas where organisations can overcome barriers to inclusive design: For behaviours, mindsets and values to truly change, leadership teams must lead by example. If leaders understand the benefit of initiatives before they are launched, they can be instrumental in promoting and championing these. Organisations should take the time to understand their situation as a first step towards identifying gaps, for example by undertaking an assessment by engaging with stakeholders, employee networks or engaging a specialist. Organisation should consider connecting with local charities and organisations with the resources to help to accelerate progress. Opportunities to consider inclusion are not limited to refurbishing an office. For example, when selecting a new office building it’s important to consider its location in terms of accessible transport links and access to nearby green space. Engaging an expert consultant can help to navigate inclusive design and ensure the latest legislation and best practice guidelines are adhered to. Georgina Fraser, Head of Human Capital at CBRE, added: “The spaces that we design and manage should be deliberately and thoughtfully created for people to feel safe and that they belong, while enabling them to do their best work. We need to create and maintain spaces that do this for all users, regardless of age, gender, ability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification or reassignment. Now, more than ever, offices must be destinations that people want to work in; they must now compete with home-working and the hyper-personalisation that provides. It is a great time to ensure inclusion is at the heart of post-Covid workplace strategy, design and operation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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