London’s Best Workplaces Named at BCO Regional Awards

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02 May 2024

London’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced at the British Council for Offices Regional Awards.

The awards recognise projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector. The shortlist features offices that provide inspiring and sustainable environments with user needs at their core. All will go on to compete at the British Council for Offices Awards on 8 October 2024.

 

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Grainhouse – Best Corporate Workplace

 

Grainhouse, a 91,000 sqft former Victorian seed warehouse in Covent Garden, was praised for its inspirational working environment, drawing on the history of the existing classical heritage building. The judges were also impressed by the project team’s ability to overcome a series of logistical challenges. The building has a complex layout, which is made up of five buildings overlapping different boroughs and levels. 

Global real estate developer Hines has taken over a third of the building as its new European Headquarters.

 

8 Bishopsgate – Best Commercial Workplace

 

Best Commercial Workplace was awarded to 8 Bishopsgate, which comprises 75,000 sqft of amenity space including of cafes, lounges and an auditorium with a capacity of 200. 

The judges praised the project for its social value, particularly the viewing gallery which sits at level 50, which is open to the public free of charge.

 

Picture: a photograph of the reception area at 8 Bishopsgate. The space is open plan, with a mezzanine floor. Image Credit: WilkinsonEyre Architects

 

BP London (Fit out Workplace)

 

BP London in Canary Wharf was awarded Best Fit out Workplace, for its ability to uplift visitors through an inclusive and nurturing ecosystem. The judges liked how the space accommodates diversity with tech-free rooms, contemplation studios, a parents’ room and multi-faith prayer spaces.

 

All Saints (Projects up to 2,500m2)

 

Winning the award for Projects up to 2,500 sqm, All Saints was originally an orphanage which was later transformed into a hospital and then an archive. The judges commended the EPC rating of B, saying it was “admirable in a building built primarily of wood and brick.”

 

Tower Hamlets Town Hall (Refurbished/Recycled)

 

Tower Hamlets Town Hall is a new focal point of Whitechapel’s regeneration and consists of a restoration of a Grade II listed former Royal London Hospital building. 

The building provides 26,700m² of office space and the entire ground floor is dedicated to public use with meeting and shared spaces, a café and the council chamber.

 

Picture: a photograph showing a study area with bookshelves and comfortable chairs. Image Credit: EPR Architects

 

The Forge (Innovation)

 

The Innovation award went to The Forge, which followed a unique procurement route in championing design for Manufacture (P-DfMA). The building is the first major commercial development to use the approach, which uses a “standardised kit of parts” to form the mechanics of construction. 

 

Sky Innovation Centre (ESG)

 

The ESG award was given to Sky Innovation Centre building, which achieved BREEAM Outstanding together with WELL Platinum, all while creating an inspiring workplace. Designed to accommodate hybrid working, the building promotes collaboration and dynamic interaction across a range of sustainable spaces.

Picture: a photograph from the reception area at the Sky Innovation Centre. The space is dominated by a huge light installation mounted from the ceiling, which features purple and peach coloured orbs. Image Credit: AtkinsRéalis

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 02 May 2024

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