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Making Moves Top Picks: London Office Developments 2017

With the London skyline evolving each year to incorporate ever-more intricate, unique and imaginative structures, we have decided to

By Making Moves London

With the London skyline evolving each year to incorporate ever-more intricate, unique and imaginative structures, we have decided to put together a list of the developments we are most looking forward to completing in London this year.

From the revolutionary climate control features of the White Collar Factory, reducing the amount of mechanical air conditioning required in the building, to the 35,000 square feet of landscaped roof gardens of London Wall Place (in addition to the new acre of public, green space), there are a lot of exciting new spaces appearing all over the city.

It was a hard task narrowing this list down to just five, but here are our top picks for this year…

White Collar Factory, Old Street (Derwent)

The White Collar Factory has to be the top of our list. Literally next to Old Street station, we have seen this building “grow up” at the same time as we have. With sustainability principles at it’s core, we love the inspiration behind it that removes the need for complicated and excessive climate control systems. We’re big fans of creative work space and anything that contributes to a positive working environment (and therefore productivity levels), and so the addition of a 150m rooftop running track, 276 cycle spaces and a big green roof terrace makes this development stand out.

Key Facts:

  • MPIM UK Visionary Building of the year award
  • Pre-let to the likes of Adobe, Capital One and flexible office specialists, The Office Group
  • 3.5 metre floor to ceiling height
  • Courtyard offering new public space and multiple cafes/ restaurants on site

Principal Place, Shoreditch (Brookfield)

The architectural design of the building incorporates the industrial feel of Shoreditch with an expressed steel frame, giving it a bit of extra edge. Online retailer, Amazon, have pre-let the majority of the available office space, but there is 38,000 sq. ft. still available for anyone with deep pockets. With a private roof terrace on level 16 available for hire, we’re hoping we can wangle an invite to one of the lavish parties there are sure to be up there!

Key Facts:

  • 15 storeys
  • 600 cycle spaces on site!!
  • New public piazza with local events programme
  • More than 20,000 sq. ft. of retail space including cafes and restaurants offering alfresco dining
  • A refurbished historic building to accommodate a fine dining restaurant

Bloomberg place, EC4 (Bloomberg)

Dubbed “The Work Place of the Future”, Bloomberg’s extravagant new European Headquarters is set to be pretty iconic. Designed with sustainable features, such as “breathable walls” that filter fresh air into the building, it’s no wonder it has an Outstanding BREEAM energy efficiency rating. The development is actually the largest stone project in the UK for over 100 years. As well as being the new home to Bloomberg employees, the project also includes various public amenities such as a new entrance to London Underground’s Waterloo and City line, restaurants and a 250 seater theatre!

Key Facts:

  • Designed by Sir Norman Foster of Foster + Partners
  • 500,000 sq. ft. of sustainable office space
  • 600 miles of fibre optic cabling
  • Museum below the building which protects a Roman temple discovered during excavation of the site

1 & 2 London Wall Place, London Wall (Brookfield)

Comprising of two distinct buildings in an acre of beautifully landscaped gardens set amongst the historic monuments of the Roman city wall remains, the scheme is bound to rejuvenate the area and create a fabulous new public space. Within the design of both buildings, there is a strong focus on environmentally friendly features including harvesting rainwater, a series of city gardens to enhance biodiversity and a commitment to the use of locally and responsibly sourced materials where possible.

Key Facts:

  • 500,000 sq. ft. scheme
  • 45,000 sq. ft. of new, public green space
  • Number 1 is fully let to Schroders PLC
  • Over 300 bicycle spaces within the buildings
  • BREEAM 2014 ‘Excellent’ with occupier co-operation

4 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central (British Land)

Last but not least, this much needed development in the heart of Paddington focuses on modern business, flexibility and the future. We love that the concept for this building is thoroughly inspired and moulded by current working trends, in particular promoting a work-life balance. Campus residents can enjoy FREE activity classes including running and fitness as well as craft workshops, through to discovering hidden bars and eateries or lounging in deckchairs watching outdoor film screenings.

Key Facts:

  • 138,080 sq. ft. of office space spread over 9 floors
  • Flexible floorplates
  • Meeting pods with views across Paddington
  • Roof terrace with café/bar and sports court
  • 592 sq. ft. corner terraces on floors 2-9 for further inspiration

If you’re looking for office space and want to get an overview of the guide prices for different areas in London, take a look at our Market Rent Guide.