One London Set to Redefine the Capital’s Skyline with £1bn Landmark Tower
Plans have been unveiled for a landmark £1bn skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most significant commercial developments in Europe. Developed by Aroland Holdings, advised by Perennial Holdings, alongside Stanhope and Eric Parry Architects, the project known as One London will transform the City skyline with a striking new tower rising to 309.6 metres. Formerly known as 1 Undershaft, the development is expected to become London’s tallest skyscraper, the tallest office building in the UK and the joint-tallest building in Western Europe when completed in 2033. Located at the prominent junction of Leadenhall Street and St Mary Axe, the development will deliver approximately 1.2 million sq ft of office-led accommodation at the heart of the capital’s financial district. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, the tower will provide high-quality workspace while reinforcing the City’s position as a global centre for finance, technology and innovation. The scheme received full planning approval from the City of London Corporation in December 2025, marking a major milestone for one of the capital’s most ambitious commercial projects. The development occupies a highly connected location, situated within a short walk of six London Underground lines and the Elizabeth line, offering exceptional accessibility for workers, visitors and businesses alike. In addition to its transport connections, the site benefits from proximity to around 1,000 hospitality venues and 27 acres of public open space, helping to create a vibrant environment that supports both professional and social activity within the Square Mile. Preparatory work is already progressing, with the deconstruction of the existing St Helen’s Tower now underway. The project team expects to appoint a main contractor later this year, with full construction anticipated to commence in 2028 following the completion of deconstruction and enabling works, as well as the finalisation of development financing arrangements. Once complete, One London is expected to become one of the defining buildings of the next decade, joining the ranks of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. Beyond its impressive scale, the development reflects the continued confidence in London’s commercial property market and the growing demand for premium, sustainable and future-focused office space in prime locations. The project also highlights the ongoing evolution of the City of London, where new generations of workplace environments are being developed to accommodate changing occupier requirements, technological advancement and increasing expectations around sustainability, wellbeing and connectivity. As construction moves closer, One London is poised to play a major role in shaping the future skyline of the capital, creating a new focal point for business, investment and architectural ambition in one of the world’s leading financial centres. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni starts 462,000 sq ft speculative development in Worksop
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has commenced construction at Panattoni Worksop 460, a 462,000 sq ft speculative logistics and manufacturing development at Manton Wood Distribution Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. The scheme is scheduled for completion in Q1 2027. Panattoni Worksop 460 will be delivered to the highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings and achieving net zero carbon in construction. The development incorporates a range of sustainability features including roof-mounted photovoltaic solar systems, EV charging, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. The scheme offers a gross internal area of 462,000 sq ft, comprising 441,699 sq ft of warehouse accommodation, Grade A office space across ground and two upper floors totalling 14,943 sq ft, and a transport area of 5,057 sq ft. The building has been specified to meet the requirements of modern logistics and manufacturing occupiers, with an 18 metre clear internal height, 43 dock doors including 8 Euro dock doors, 4 level access doors, a yard depth of 55 metres, 386 car parking spaces and 48 EV charging points. The site is accompanied by an additional five acres of adjacent land, available to occupiers requiring room for expansion beyond the primary building footprint. Worksop is a well-established logistics destination in North Nottinghamshire, situated at the heart of the UK’s principal distribution corridor. The town sits within easy reach of the M1 (Junction 31) and A1(M), providing direct connectivity to major population centres across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East. The area is home to major operators including DHL and B&Q, both of which run substantial logistics and distribution facilities nearby, and benefits from a strong local labour pool and competitive rental levels relative to more southern locations. Andy Preston, Senior Development Director at Panattoni, said: ” Worksop punches above its weight as a logistics location. It offers great connectivity and a genuinely strong labour market within commuting distance of Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, and that combination is increasingly difficult to find at this scale. We are seeing real depth of demand from occupiers who need large-format, high-specification space and need it quickly, and this building is designed to meet that requirement from day one. We already have some early engagement from occupiers on the speculative opportunity. For occupiers with longer-term growth ambitions, there is also an additional five acres of land directly adjacent to the site, which could be used for HGV parking or external storage – a flexibility that is increasingly hard to find at this scale and in this location.” The development reflects Panattoni’s continued strategy of speculative delivery in supply-constrained markets, bringing forward high-specification, sustainable assets aligned with long-term occupier demand. For more information, please visit www.panattoni.co.uk/our-properties/worksop/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oxford’s Former Debenhams Set for Science-Led Future in £125m Transformation
A landmark former department store in the heart of Oxford is set to begin a new chapter after Morgan Sindall secured the fit-out contract for a major £125m redevelopment that will transform the historic building into a cutting-edge life sciences hub. Located at 1–12 Magdalen Street, the former Debenhams store will be repurposed to provide approximately 100,000 sq ft of laboratory-enabled incubator and accelerator space, creating a significant new destination for science and technology businesses within one of the UK’s leading innovation centres. The project is being delivered through a partnership between The Crown Estate, Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprises, with international architecture practice Perkins&Will leading the design. The fit-out package secured by Morgan Sindall is expected to be worth more than £35m. The redevelopment will breathe new life into the prominent city centre building while preserving its historic character. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the scheme will retain and repurpose the existing late-19th century structure, creating flexible laboratory facilities and workspace across the upper floors. The development will also feature conference and collaboration spaces, alongside a showcase laboratory designed to engage the wider public with scientific discovery and innovation. A key feature of the project is its strong sustainability focus. By retaining the building’s existing structural frame and external envelope, the development team aims to significantly reduce embodied carbon and minimise the environmental impact associated with large-scale redevelopment. The approach reflects the growing emphasis across the construction and property sectors on adaptive reuse and the preservation of valuable built assets. The scheme also highlights the increasing demand for specialist laboratory and research facilities as Oxford continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s most important science and technology clusters. The new hub will provide flexible accommodation for start-ups, scale-ups and established businesses operating across a range of scientific disciplines, helping to support innovation, collaboration and commercial growth. The redevelopment forms part of The Crown Estate’s ambitious £1.5bn investment programme focused on science, innovation and technology sectors over the next 15 years. The long-term strategy is designed to support the growth of knowledge-based industries while creating sustainable and future-ready environments that encourage research, development and entrepreneurship. Once complete, the transformation of the former Debenhams building will create a vibrant new centre for life sciences in the heart of Oxford, combining heritage preservation, sustainability and innovation to deliver a flagship destination for the city’s growing scientific community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lakeside secures new F&B deals, as Vue commits to major investment
Lakeside, the top five out-of-town super-regional destination owned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced the signing and opening of five leading food and beverage brands, and one UK debut. The new additions are part of SGS’s strategy to continue to evolve Lakeside’s offer, and are complemented by an extensive investment by longstanding leisure anchor, Vue. Leading the new additions is GAIL’s, with the premium bakery and coffee shop committing to a 2,033 sq ft store on the lower level. GAIL’s joins other recent lifestyle additions to Lakeside, including The White Company, which recently opened. Black Sheep Coffee has signed to Lakeside, and will be launching in a 1,500 sq ft space on the lower level this summer, adding to the variety of coffee options available The strong demand for Lakeside among leading F&B brands has been evident with the arrival of Maki & Ramen and Smoke & Pepper, both having opened in recent weeks. The operators provide more choice for visitors and extend Lakeside’s appeal as an evening destination for socialising Satisfying sustained visitor appetite for more grab-and-go options, Lakeside has also secured the UK debut of chocolate-themed dessert concept, Chocofay, and a second location for Pret, in 250 sq ft and 650 sq ft locations respectively The cinema anchor at Lakeside’s unique waterfront, Vue is investing in a transformation of its nine-screen experience, strengthening Lakeside’s leisure offer and complementing the retail and F&B mix to further boost its appeal as a lifestyle destination. The investment will include Vue’s latest recliner seating, its new premium large format Epic, proving enhanced colour and 3D sound, and a new foyer concept. Together, the enhancements will create a best-in-catchment cinema experience Rob Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “Lakeside is revitalised, with investment in the destination attracting new brands and growing consumer loyalty to unprecedented levels. Lakeside’s out-performance is becoming self-fulfilling too, with demand from new and existing brands outstripping supply. This is reflected in these new F&B signings and openings; we have worked with each operator to create the ideal space, confident they will appeal to visitors from across our catchment. They are all great additions to Lakeside that, combined with Vue’s investment, reinforce its position as the dominant destination in the catchment, one with a unique lifestyle offer.” Lakeside is a UK top five out-of-town super-regional destination (CACI). Revitalised over the last three years, it is the location of choice in a catchment of 7.2 million people with £23.2 billion of available spend. Framed by its signature lake and active waterfront, it provides a unique mix of retail and leisure that drives benchmark-setting performance. Smith Young and LM are Lakeside’s retail leasing agents, and Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Lakeside on behalf of SGS UK Retail. Forty Group acted for GAIL’s and Black Sheep Coffee represented themselves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Creating a Sleek and Contemporary Outdoor Space with a small format block paving
Artro and Fusion block paving have been used to create a sleek and contemporary outdoor space for the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre located in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). This case study explores how Tobermore provided a modern solution with the specification of Artro and Fusion small format block paving, creating a sleek and contemporary outdoor space for the new innovation centre. These versatile products delivered a durable, functional, and visually striking environment designed to last. For projects where sustainable drainage is a key consideration, both ranges are also available as a permeable option – Hydropave Artro and Hydropave Fusio. The permeable range by Tobermore offers the trusted performance and aesthetics for all sizes and types of SuDS schemes. Sitting on a 52-hectare site, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) is a collaborative project led by Renfrewshire Council and supported by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. Based within this impressive development sits the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre. The £88 million centre unites top-tier science and technology expertise under one roof, aiming to expedite innovative solutions for major challenges in medicine development and manufacturing. Hard landscaping was required for the space, which would provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The entire project is projected for completion by 2034. AMIDS is set to become an internationally recognised centre for innovation, research, and manufacturing. The Challenge: Create a sleek and contemporary outdoor space with a small format, contemporary hard landscaping product. The new medicines manufacturing centre is set to revolutionise the field of medicine by accelerating solutions in medicine development and manufacturing, which is being supported by £88m from public and private partners. The architect, Optimised Environments, wanted to introduce a modern touch to the hard landscaping for this project. They sought a small format product that would create a contemporary feel while also adding texture to the space. As this was the first phase of a public realm project within a larger masterplan, it was crucial to choose a product that would endure well over time. The Solution: Tobermore’s Artro and Fusion block paving transformed the outdoor space into a contemporary environment for the innovative new centre. The technical and design support from Tobermore made specification of Artro and Fusion small format block paving for this project seamless. These versatile block paving products significantly enhanced the outdoor area, turning it into a contemporary and inviting environment for the innovative new centre. They also helped achieve a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring durability for years to come. The variety of textures and patterns available in the Artro and Fusion ranges allowed for a creative and dynamic layout, adding to the overall aesthetic of the centre while meeting the practical needs of high foot traffic and outdoor elements. Ensuring that all materials arrived on schedule without delays was crucial for this project to adhere to the strict time frame. Tobermore was able to meet these expectations and provide seamless service support throughout the entirety of the project. For more information, contact our team or head to Create & Construct to use any of the design and specification tools. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robust UK steel doors enhance security at new Padel Shed as part of major refurbishment
Leading steel door manufacturer, Robust UK, has supplied several external steel fire exit doors in custom sizes to NextGen Industrial Doors for a new sports padel centre in Huddersfield, as part of a £1.5 million refurbishment project. NextGen Industrial Doors approached Robust UK as the existing doors had corroded and were no longer fit for purpose. Robust UK were chosen for their competitive pricing and high-quality steel fire exit doors, which meet the security needs of the premises and the aesthetic requirements of the new padel centre. The key challenge was to achieve a uniform appearance across all doorsets, despite each opening varying slightly in size. Robust UK recommended its OUTA-DOR solution for seven single and one double doorset, with each doorset custom-built to exact opening dimensions, allowing for a seamless installation and ensuring a perfect fit. All doors featured a powder-coated finish in RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey and were fitted with Briton panic hardware compliant with BS EN 1125, delivering a sleek uniform appearance while fully meeting fire exit regulations. The two-point Briton hardware secures the door at both the top and bottom, increasing stability and enhancing security against unauthorised entry, offering more reliable performance in the event of an emergency. Unlike a traditional timber door, this versatile steel door solution offers significantly improved security with the ability to withstand knocks, dents and wear far more effectively. Made from corrosion-resistant Magnelis® steel, OUTA-DOR offers excellent protection, enhanced durability and minimal maintenance needs. The anti-corrosion warranty of up to ten years provides NextGen Industrial Doors and the Padel Shed with additional reassurance that the door will remain in excellent condition for the long term. To enable quick installation, Robust UK steel doorsets are delivered fully assembled with pre-fitted hardware to ensure a faster and more efficient installation process. This allowed NextGen Industrial Doors to install all eight fire exit doorsets within just four days. Jack Behrens, Managing Director at NextGen Industrial Doors Ltd, says: “I’d like to thank Robust UK for delivering custom-built doors that not only met the specific requirements of each opening, but also achieved a consistent finish. Their expertise and ability to provide made-to-measure doors ensured every door fit flawlessly with a cohesive aesthetic.” Emily Mathews, General Manager at Robust UK, explains: “We were delighted to work with NextGen Industrial Doors on the refurbishment of the Padel Shed premises. By supplying bespoke custom steel doorsets, we ensured full compliance with the building’s fire and safety requirements while providing a solution that seamlessly integrated with the brand aesthetics. OUTA-DOR was the ideal solution for NextGen Industrial Doors, enabling them to deliver a bespoke solution that helps to minimise ongoing maintenance.” Comprising of 45,000sq ft, the new Padel Shed facility includes nine sports courts, a café bar and is open to private hire, corporate events or anyone who wants to try padel sport. For more information about OUTA-DOR visit https://www.robust-uk.com/product/outa-dor/, or contact Robust at sales@robust-uk.com or call 01782 592900. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals