By BCO Media London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. Those were some of the key takeaways from the recent BCO NextGen London & South
Flexible workspace provider 2-Work has announced it will open its fourth flexible office space in the heart of Leeds city centre, in partnership with the building’s owner, Glenbrook. 2-Work St Albions will open towards the end of September in the Grade II listed Albion Court, a former church institute with
A major redevelopment is set to transform a prominent commercial building at the gateway to London’s Hatton Garden jewellery district, following unanimous approval from Camden Council. The scheme, designed by architecture practice DSDHA and backed by Morgan Real Estate and BNF Capital, will see the five-storey office block at 19
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has secured consent from Camden Council to refurbish 26 Red Lion Square, its 106,584 sq ft (NIA) speculative office development in Holborn. Railpen’s plans involve upgrading eight floors of office space to a Grade A standard, enhancing the amenity
A major new development is set to redefine Leeds’ South Bank, with the first phase of the Florence Square masterplan gaining approval. This ambitious scheme will deliver two striking office buildings, providing more than 220,000 sq ft of premium workspace, alongside extensive landscaped public spaces designed to create a new
Leading flexible office space provider, Canvas Offices, has expanded its London based portfolio with the launch of a brand-new office space at 1 Fetter Lane. Positioned just off Fleet Street, the property sits at the crossroads of London’s rich legal and literary heritage and joins 16 other prime locations within
Prescient Capital has officially launched construction on the redevelopment of Wellington Plaza, a major office scheme in the heart of Leeds’s premier business district. Main contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver the transformation, which involves the demolition of the existing 1980s four-storey structure to make way for a
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has instructed CBRE Southampton to market the Sir William Hillary building located at the RNLI’s Poole Campus on West Quay Road. The building is named after the charity’s founder, who established the charity in 1824. The building was closed to staff in 2020 as
A future defining office building set to lead on design, sustainability and occupier experience in Leeds Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) has unveiled Z – a bold, future-focused 111,000 sq ft office development at Whitehall Riverside which is set to redefine workplace standards in Leeds. Positioned on a prime riverside
Construction is officially underway on The Republic, the first commercial building to rise within the evolving Mayfield Park district in central Manchester. The project marks a major milestone for the £1.4 billion regeneration of the former industrial zone, located beside Piccadilly Station. The Republic will be a 13-storey, 233,000 sq
By BCO Media London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. Those were some of the key takeaways from the recent BCO NextGen London & South East Committee and Carter Jonas hosted Q2 Market Update webinar. The session, which took place on 12 August, offered a detailed analysis of the Central London office market from the occupier’s perspective, focusing on demand dynamics, supply constraints, and future outlook. The panel was hosted by Carter Jonas’s Lucy Atkins (BCO NextGen London & South East Committee member) and feature expert insights from research associate Sophie Davidson, head of research Daniel Francis, and head of tenant representation Michael Pain. Francis presented a macroeconomic overview, noting that while UK growth remains subdued, London continued to outperform. He highlighted that London’s economic growth had historically averaged 2.5% annually, compared with 2% for the UK as a whole. “London’s resilience is underpinned by strong infrastructure investment, population growth, and a robust office-based employment forecast,” said Francis. He projected 460,000 new office-based jobs in Greater London over the next decade, driven by professional services and tech sectors. Pain said that while demand for office space was strong, occupiers were focused on three key drivers: sustainability, employee experience, and talent attraction. Businesses are increasingly relocating to Grade A buildings with strong environmental credentials, he said, using high-quality office space to foster collaboration and support recruitment. Pain also noted the rise of landlord-funded fit-outs, which offer tenants turnkey solutions and reduce upfront capital expenditure. Supply, of course, remains a critical issue, said Carter Jonas. The market is experiencing a shortage of new and refurbished Grade A space, exacerbated by rising development costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory pressures. This imbalance has led to significant rental growth, particularly in the West End, where headline rents have reached £167.50 per sq ft, with some deals exceeding £215 per sq ft. Rent-free periods have remained stable, as landlords prioritise headline rents to support investment valuations. Davidson, said there had been a 6% rise in net effective rents across central London, led by the West End, which reported a 8.1% rise and the City, up by 7.5%. Net effective rents take into account rent free periods. Districts such as Marylebone and Mayfair saw the strongest growth, driven by limited availability and pre-letting activity. The panel also discussed the impact of upcoming EPC regulations and their influence on lease lengths and investment risk. Davidson noted that 80% of London’s office stock could become non-compliant by 2030, prompting tenants to secure long-term leases in sustainable buildings now. What was clear from the data presented was London’s enduring appeal and adaptability for both occupiers and investors. “London’s ability to consistently outperform the UK economy is not accidental,” concluded Francis, “It’s the result of strategic investment, global connectivity, and a dynamic workforce. That growth story is far from over.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals News from the British Council for Offices news site.
Flexible workspace provider 2-Work has announced it will open its fourth flexible office space in the heart of Leeds city centre, in partnership with the building’s owner, Glenbrook. 2-Work St Albions will open towards the end of September in the Grade II listed Albion Court, a former church institute with stunning gothic revival architecture, located in the bustling shopping district and just a short walk from Leeds rail station. Following a comprehensive, design-led refurbishment, St Albions will offer 8,000 sq ft of coworking space, meeting rooms, and private offices across two floors, creating a high-quality, flexible environment for start-ups, growing businesses, and established teams seeking a central base with both character and convenience. The move marks the next phase of growth for the award-winning provider, which now operates four workspaces across Leeds, as well as a further location at Tileyard North in Wakefield. The expansion comes in response to rising demand for flexible, community-driven spaces that support hybrid working and the growth of SMEs across the region, with Leeds being named as the 6th most popular location for coworking in the country. “We started in Leeds during the pandemic with aspirations to support businesses,” said Gal Leslie, Director at 2-Work. “Little did we know that this would turn into a growth in the region enabling us to support all types of businesses from start-ups to corporates and beyond. Watching these businesses thrive due to their need for flexible, collaborative, forward-thinking workspaces has been the key driver for our expansion plans. Long may it continue.” Olivia McDowell, Senior Asset Manager of Glenbrook, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome 2-Work to Albion Court. Their professional flex space offering not only expands the range of studios available but also brings valuable new amenities for our existing tenants. This collaboration between landlord and flex offer marks an exciting step in creating a vibrant, inspiring workplace community here at Albion Court.” Further details on 2-Work’s locations and upcoming openings can be found at www.2-work.co.uk, or by emailing st.albions@2-work.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major redevelopment is set to transform a prominent commercial building at the gateway to London’s Hatton Garden jewellery district, following unanimous approval from Camden Council. The scheme, designed by architecture practice DSDHA and backed by Morgan Real Estate and BNF Capital, will see the five-storey office block at 19 Charterhouse Street extended to ten storeys and comprehensively refurbished. Originally constructed in 1991 as part of the De Beers diamond campus, the building will retain much of its existing structure under a high-quality, low-carbon retrofit strategy. The extension will add 2,780m² of workspace, bringing the total to 12,800m². Roof terraces at the seventh, eighth and ninth floors will incorporate greenery and provide striking views towards St Paul’s Cathedral. The current stone-clad façade, often described as “fortress-like”, will be replaced with Portland stone, a fluted zigzag profile at roof level, and bronze-coloured windows. Central to the design is a high-performance building envelope, intended for long-term durability and enhanced thermal performance, aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating. The development will also be entirely car-free, reflecting its strong sustainability credentials. The project will integrate affordable jewellery-making workspaces into the scheme, supporting the area’s historic industry. While Hatton Garden planning policy calls for 50 per cent of new commercial space over 200m² to be allocated to affordable jewellery use, this scheme will provide 520m² — around 19 per cent of the total. However, all units will be offered at a peppercorn rent, with terms agreed alongside Camden’s inclusive economy team. DSDHA director Deborah Saunt described the project as more than just an exemplary mixed-use retrofit. She emphasised its potential to enhance biodiversity on the historic site of the River Fleet, promote the cultural sustainability of Hatton Garden’s jewellery trade, and strengthen connections between the City of London and surrounding boroughs. The development will sit opposite the soon-to-open London Museum at Smithfield and feature a redesigned ground-floor lobby with hospitality and retail space alongside the specialist jewellery workshops. Saunt added that the scheme could contribute to the growth of the so-called “City Halo” — a vision for softening the City’s edges through improved urban integration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has secured consent from Camden Council to refurbish 26 Red Lion Square, its 106,584 sq ft (NIA) speculative office development in Holborn. Railpen’s plans involve upgrading eight floors of office space to a Grade A standard, enhancing the amenity space on the ground floor, and constructing new roof terraces with panoramic views of St Paul’s and the West End. The completed development will be repositioned as a new HQ targeting major occupiers and fostering a sense of community for future occupiers. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, Railpen’s proposals include new and improved external façades on Theobolds Road and Red Lion Square to promote high quality design in Holborn, and new retail and F&B units on Theobalds Road. Railpen is targeting BREEAM “Outstanding” for the project by demonstrating a reduction of on-site energy use and water consumption. This is in addition to the embodied carbon savings that will be achieved through the refurbishment of an existing building. The consent is timely, given Holborn’s growing appeal as a location among occupiers and investors, driven in part by its equidistant position between Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon Elizabeth Line stations. Various developments are underway in the area, including the transformation of nearby Sicilian Avenue and the recent purchase by Whitbread of 35 Red Lion Square. Holborn has also experienced a surge in co-working providers opening in the area, with Runway East and Uncommon joining WeWork in creating flagship sites. Complementing the growing demand from occupiers and investors, Camden Council is proposing a series of major enhancements to Red Lion Square and the surrounding streets, improving the public realm and enhancing the square as a key green space in Holborn. Emily Atkinson, Asset Manager at Railpen, said: “We welcome the Council’s decision, which facilitates our plans to deliver a high-quality sustainable refurbishment of a significant office building that will help address the growing demand from occupies for Grade A space in Holborn. This is an exciting time for the area, and 26 Red Lion Square will make an important contribution to its ongoing transformation as a prime choice for office occupiers.” The refurbishment is the latest in a series of office initiatives by Railpen in central London. The company will shortly complete the refurbishment of 101 Bayham in Camden, and has several office projects proposed and underway in the City, including the redevelopment of 12 Smithfield, plans for which are due to be submitted later this year. These are in addition to its significant office-led mixed-use portfolio in Cambridge, where Railpen has a pipeline of over 1.5m sq ft of development on-site or in planning. Railpen’s advisory team comprises Savills and Farebrother’s (leasing), Stiff + Trevillion (architect), and Ridgelift (development management). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new development is set to redefine Leeds’ South Bank, with the first phase of the Florence Square masterplan gaining approval. This ambitious scheme will deliver two striking office buildings, providing more than 220,000 sq ft of premium workspace, alongside extensive landscaped public spaces designed to create a new destination for the city. Developed by Southside Leeds Ltd, a joint venture between Shelborn Asset Management and Stamford Property Holdings, and designed by DLA Architecture, the project places public realm at the heart of its vision. A central public square will form the focal point of the scheme, complemented by a pocket park in the north-east corner, which will act as a welcoming gateway just 500 metres from Leeds train station. The design prioritises pedestrian movement, with a car-free environment and improved connections to both the city centre and the Holbeck Village conservation area. The two office buildings, Block A and Block B, will sit prominently along Water Lane. Block A will rise to nine storeys, with seven floors of office space, while Block B will have 11 storeys, nine of which are dedicated to offices. The ground floors will house a mix of cafés, restaurants, and retail units, encouraging activity throughout the day. Rooftop terraces and business lounges will provide elevated views across the city skyline, creating attractive spaces for work and relaxation. The architectural design has been shaped to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban fabric. Building heights step up from the lower-rise conservation area to the west towards the taller Bridgewater Place to the east. The façades reference the site’s industrial past, using red and brown tones and terracotta cladding that nod to the historic flax weaving industry once centred here. Fenestration patterns and materials further reinforce this connection to local heritage. Florence Square’s development also acknowledges the rich history of the site. Once home to Water Lane Mills, later known as Hope Mills, it was a hub for Leeds’ thriving flax industry, producing fine linens and supporting generations of textile workers. Remnants of former residential streets such as Front Row and Back Row remain visible, offering a tangible link to the area’s past. Looking ahead, outline consent is already in place for up to 500,000 sq ft of future development, which could bring further commercial, residential, leisure, or hotel space to the area. The project’s sustainability ambitions are high, with performance standards such as NABERS and ActiveScore embedded from the outset to ensure healthier, lower-impact working environments. As Leeds continues to evolve, Florence Square is poised to become a key part of its transformation – blending history, architecture, and vibrant public space to create a modern workplace destination with lasting community value. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading flexible office space provider, Canvas Offices, has expanded its London based portfolio with the launch of a brand-new office space at 1 Fetter Lane. Positioned just off Fleet Street, the property sits at the crossroads of London’s rich legal and literary heritage and joins 16 other prime locations within the Canvas portfolio. The site has undergone a full-scale refurbishment, reimagined entirely by Canvas Offices in-house design team and their ‘homeification’ philosophy, to deliver a workspace that blends comfort, style, and flexibility. The result is a striking, design-led space spanning five floors, with 26 private offices for teams of 4 – 30. On top of this, the building also offers five meeting rooms and private phone booths. 1 Fetter Lane now stands ready to meet the demands of modern businesses when it officially opens its doors this September, whether they be start-ups, unicorns or established industry leaders. Handily located within walking distance of Chancery Lane, Holborn and the bustling energy of Farringdon, the building is particularly attractive to employees with its emphasis on natural light, and thoughtfully curated lounge, kitchen areas and wellness zone. Yaron Rosenblum, Co-founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, commented: “The opening of our offices on 1 Fetter Lane marks an exciting milestone for Canvas. This new location captures the essence of our brand – tailored, high-quality workspaces that act like a home away from home for the workforce, whilst also meeting the evolving needs of modern businesses. Our continued expansion is a testament to the ambition and dedication of our team and reinforces our position as one of London’s leading providers of flexible office space” Founded in 2018, Canvas Offices has grown to 16 prime locations across Central London including Shoreditch, Farringdon, Holborn and Mayfair. Its spaces are home to hundreds of thriving businesses, including leading brands such as Rough Trade, Patchwork, Malin+Goetz, and Augustinus Bader. For more information about Canvas Offices and its new Fetter Lane space, visit canvasoffices.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prescient Capital has officially launched construction on the redevelopment of Wellington Plaza, a major office scheme in the heart of Leeds’s premier business district. Main contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver the transformation, which involves the demolition of the existing 1980s four-storey structure to make way for a striking new eight-storey, 80,000 sq ft Grade A office building. Following planning approval in 2024, secured in partnership with Asset Capital, Prescient Capital subsequently acquired full ownership of the project. The scheme has since been rebranded as 31 Wellington Street, a name chosen to reflect its prominent corner location opposite Wellington Place and within walking distance of Leeds train station. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern occupiers, the development will offer excellent ESG credentials, targeting EPC A, BREEAM Outstanding, Fitwel 3 Star, NABERS 5 Star and WiredScore Platinum ratings. The internal layout is crafted to support flexible, hybrid working patterns, with floor plates ranging from 3,000 to 9,500 sq ft. Features will include a large entrance lobby and reception, co-working space, a sky lounge for events, a fitness suite, luxury changing facilities, and secure cycle storage. Doug Friend, CEO of Prescient Capital, said: “We’re delighted to now get this project underway. Leeds currently has a significant shortfall of prime workspace and this elevated ESG credential property is perfectly located and designed to assist in relieving some of that pressure. “This also marks a return to the commercial office sector for me and Rob Randall, Prescient Chairman, having previously funded and managed over two million sq ft of Grade A office space across the UK.” The building’s architectural design has been led by award-winning firm DLA Architects, with support from a multidisciplinary team including Roscoe (civil/structural engineering), Thornley & Lumb (services), BB7 (fire engineering), Hydrock (BREEAM and Fitwel), Ridge (NABERS) and AH Connections (WiredScore). Prescient Capital has appointed Knight Frank, Fox Lloyd Jones, and Cushman & Wakefield as joint agents for the scheme. Nick Salkeld, Partner at Fox Lloyd Jones, commented: “Fox Lloyd Jones is proud to be a part of the team bringing forward this exemplar development designed to the highest standards and current day ESG benchmarks. It is a truly unique landmark scheme for the Leeds office market offering boutique, high-end workspace in a prime West End location.” Site preparation works are already underway, with demolition scheduled to begin in September. The project is expected to complete by July 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has instructed CBRE Southampton to market the Sir William Hillary building located at the RNLI’s Poole Campus on West Quay Road. The building is named after the charity’s founder, who established the charity in 1824. The building was closed to staff in 2020 as part of the charity’s programme to streamline resources and become more sustainable. The circa 44,400 sq ft, five-storey building sits on a c.1.45-acre site and is close to both the town centre and Poole Quay. Ryan Harris, Director at CBRE Southampton, said: “We are pleased to be working with the RNLI to market this site, which is an opportunity to reimagine part of the gateway to Poole Quay. The site could suit a variety of different uses, subject to planning, and makes it an attractive prospect for investors and developers.” The sale is part of the RNLI’s wider efforts to modernise and simplify their estate and infrastructure, ensuring they are prepared to meet changing needs in the future. Brian Dewey, RNLI Programme Manager for Poole Campus, said: “Our use of the Poole Campus has changed in recent years, resulting in several of our buildings becoming obsolete, while still incurring expensive maintenance costs. “We aim to reduce costs and carbon emissions, adapt to changing work habits and create a well-designed campus that better suits the RNLI’s needs.” The lifesaving charity’s Poole Campus will still retain the RNLI College, which is used as a hotel for guests and to train their frontline lifesavers, as well as their All-weather lifeboat centre which builds and maintains the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat fleet, the Sea Survival Centre used for training and the RNLI Support Centre.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A future defining office building set to lead on design, sustainability and occupier experience in Leeds Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) has unveiled Z – a bold, future-focused 111,000 sq ft office development at Whitehall Riverside which is set to redefine workplace standards in Leeds. Positioned on a prime riverside site, the 11-storey building will deliver a next-generation workspace that blends intelligent building systems, exceptional sustainability credentials, and distinctive architecture. Designed for ambitious, connected businesses, it will offer the most technologically advanced and experience-led office space in the city. Z is intentionally distinctive – a bold, single-letter name inspired by its spiritual, astrological and mathematical associations of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, beauty, harmony and completeness. It symbolises ambition, modernity, and a new era of workspace thinking: where performance, design, and wellbeing converge. More than a name, Z reflects a progressive shift in how we work, connect, and care for our environment. A New Brand with Creative at Its Core To support the launch, TCS has introduced a striking new visual identity and brand for Z, now live at zleeds.com. The campaign includes a series of unique, AI-generated images that blend people with elements of nature – symbolising Z’s connection to its immediate natural surroundings. A fully interactive virtual tour is also now available on the website, giving prospective occupiers a dynamic preview of the spaces and amenities on offer. Craig Burrow, Group Property Director at TCS said “As workspace continues to evolve, Z has been designed to be more than just a building. Set within an unrivalled riverside location, it provides best-in-class, smart, energy-efficient office spaces, with the highest level of amenity. We are excited to be setting new standards with a new breed of workspace”. A Smart, Sustainable, Future-Ready Workplace Z will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies that monitor air quality, occupancy, and energy usage in real time – empowering occupiers to make data-driven decisions. Flexible floorplates and a variety of workspace formats are supported by a communal rooftop terrace, lounge areas, multipurpose spaces, and high-spec meeting and event facilities. TCS is currently in advanced discussions with potential occupiers and plans to bring forward Z as a key component of the wider Whitehall Riverside masterplan. This includes a new flagship CitiPark multi-storey car park and travel hub, offering 478 EV-enabled spaces to support sustainable commuting and future mobility. A Riverside Destination for Business and Community Set within a reimagined public realm, Z connects directly to the River Aire via landscaped walkways, rain gardens, and biodiverse planting. The animated ground floor will act as a vibrant hub of activity, featuring a riverside terrace, on-site café, and social spaces designed to support both work and leisure. Z represents a major investment in the future of Leeds – a dynamic new destination that reflects how people want to work, live, and connect. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is officially underway on The Republic, the first commercial building to rise within the evolving Mayfield Park district in central Manchester. The project marks a major milestone for the £1.4 billion regeneration of the former industrial zone, located beside Piccadilly Station. The Republic will be a 13-storey, 233,000 sq ft office building designed by architects Morris & Company. Once complete, the space will accommodate approximately 2,000 workers, bringing a significant new business community to the heart of this revitalised neighbourhood. It is set to become the first office in Manchester situated within a public park – a rare concept in UK cities. Developer Landsec, alongside main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, has broken ground on the scheme, ushering in a new chapter in the wider transformation of the 24-acre site. As the first office development in the northwest to commence construction in 2025, The Republic symbolises the region’s continued demand for high-quality, sustainable workspace. The project is part of a broader mixed-use vision that includes residential development and a major green space expansion. The first phase of construction will also see Mayfield Park grow by 40 per cent, extending it to over 10 acres and firmly establishing it as the city’s greenest public space. Plans include the delivery of 879 new homes, which are set to follow the commercial element of the scheme. Henrietta Nowne, development director at Landsec, said: “The Republic kickstarts the next phase of growth at Mayfield with the delivery of quality workspaces that the city needs, and gets us closer to delivering much-needed new homes. It sets the tone for what the wider district aims to become – a balanced mix of city living, green space and next-generation workplaces.” The Republic is also one of the first projects to reflect Manchester’s commitment to a more people-centric urban core, where public realm, sustainability, and accessibility are woven into large-scale development. Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, welcomed the start of construction: “Mayfield is facilitating transformational change at the eastern gateway of Manchester’s city centre. The start on site of The Republic marks an exciting new chapter in Mayfield’s transformation. This project highlights what strong collaboration between public and private partners can achieve in delivering new jobs, homes, and community infrastructure.” The Republic and its surrounding district are being brought to life by the Mayfield Partnership – a public-private collaboration involving Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, London & Continental Railways (LCR), and Landsec. Work is expected to be completed in 2028, with The Republic poised to become a flagship component in Manchester’s next-generation commercial landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals