The Leading News & Information Service For The Facilities, Workplace & Built Environment Community

The Best Workplaces in London Revealed

The Best Workplaces in London Revealed 
01 May 2025
 

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

At a ceremony at Hilton on Park Lane on 29 April, the British Council for Offices (BCO) recognised projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.

 

Watch the Video

 


 

1 EdCity Walk – Corporate Workplace Winner

 

Image

Picture: an image showing a bright reception areas with communal seating and plants. Image Credit: Savills

 

  • The awards panel said 1Ed City Walk was an incredibly challenging scheme for a not-for-profit organisation to deliver. The result is a building perfectly designed for end users’ requirements, providing office, auditorium and education spaces.
  • The ground floor has a café open to local residents, while staff also benefit from a rooftop terrace.
  • The judges said the scale of the social offer of this scheme is unrivalled, and its community and civil impact make it a deserving winner. 

 

40 Leadenhall – Commercial Workplace Winner

 

Image

Picture: a photograph showing the full height of 40 Leadenhall and th surrounding streets. Image Credit: Make Architects

 

  • 40 Leadenhall has a strong focus on wellbeing and the tenant experience, with sympathetically restored historical assets.
  • The scheme has redefined the amenity, social and hospitality offer within offices, including a well-stocked library, 30-seat cinema room, auditorium, extensive health and fitness facilities, restaurants and terraces.
  • A range of floorplate sizes caters to varying tenant requirements, and strong sustainability credentials include targeting BREEAM Excellent and Nabers 5-star ratings

 

 

Capital Group HQ –  Fit Out of Workplace Winner

 

Image

Picture: an image showing one of the feature staircases at 1 Paddington Square. Image Credit: TP Bennett

 

  • Capital Group’s new European headquarters at 1 Paddington Square boasts an impressive client reception and hospitality bar that is connected by a stunning lighting sculpture. 
  • Two feature staircases provide vertical connection through the office with a clever use of lighting that helps you effortlessly flow through the space. 

 

The Living Lab – Projects up to 2,500m2 Winner

 

Image

Picture: an image showing a large open plan workspace with wooden box style seating and presentation boards. Image Credit: Hilson Moran

  • The Living Lab is a transformative workspace that combines innovation, sustainability and functionality within a historic setting.
  • Developed as engineering firm Hilson Moran’s new headquarters, it supports business growth while showcasing cutting-edge engineering and sustainability practices. 
  • Adapting a Grade II listed building, the team prioritised circular economy principles, resource-efficient solutions and high-performance environmental strategies. Features such as non-metallic ductwork, demand-response ventilation and modular furniture reduce embodied carbon and allow for future flexibility. 

 

Norton Folgate –  Refurbished/Recycled Winner

 

Image

Picture: an image of the front exterior of Norton Folgate from Blossom Yard. Image Credit: Tim Soar

 

  • Norton Folgate is the result of transforming three underused and vacant buildings on the edge of the City into a vibrant mixed-use development that showcases the meticulous restoration of historic structures dating from the late 1800s. 
  • The all-electric retrofit project achieved high BREEAM ratings for both new and existing structures, while collaborations with local food and beverage tenants and the support of local businesses underscore the project's dedication to social responsibility.  

 

11 Belgrave Road –  ESG Winner 

 

Image

Picture: an image showing the walled garden at 11 Belgrave Road with curved seating and a water fountain. Image Credit: Dirk Lindner for Eric Parry Architects

 

  • 11 Belgrave Road revitalises a dated 1950s office building, introducing elegant new façades that improve the streetscape and harmonise with the Pimlico Conservation Area.
  • Its Nabers 5.5-star, BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications make 11 Belgrave Road one of the most sustainable office buildings in the UK. 

 

 

GSK Project Emerald –  Innovation Winner

 

Image

Image Credit: a photograph showing a view into GSK's vertical farm with vegetables and herbs growing in trays. Image credit: GSK

 

  • When GSK decided to relocate its headquarters from Brentford to central London, it set itself the challenge to “create the world’s healthiest workplace”.
  • GSK has provided 13 different work settings, gym and terraces, plus Europe’s largest indoor vertical farm, which supports a restaurant offering for both GSK’s people and the public. 

 

Picture: an image showing the roof terrace at 11 Belgrave Road. Image Credit: Dirk Lindner for Eric Parry Architects

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 01 May 2025

Share



Related Articles

British Council for Offices Publishes Guidance for Hybrid Working Environments

A guide to help facilities managers create workspaces for the hybrid working generation has been published by the British Council for Offices. The BCO’s flagship...

 Read Full Article
British Council for Offices Celebrates Young Professionals in Property

The winners of 2024’s British Council for Offices’ (BCO) NextGen Awards have been announced at a ceremony at the German Gymnasium in London. Eight awards...

 Read Full Article
‘Employees Must Now be Treated Like Customers’ says British Council for Offices

A report from The British Council for Offices urges employers to view workers as customers to be attracted and retained, focusing on creating positive...

 Read Full Article
UK’s Outstanding Workplaces Named in British Council for Offices National Awards

The nation’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced at the British Council for Offices National Awards. Held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House and...

 Read Full Article
London’s Best Workplaces Named at BCO Regional Awards

London’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced at the British Council for Offices Regional Awards. The awards recognise projects that demonstrate best...

 Read Full Article
British Council for Offices Publishes New Research Agenda

The British Council for Offices has unveiled its new research agenda, with a vision for the office as a sustainable part of the built environment. The briefing note...

 Read Full Article
BCO NextGen Awards Celebrates Young Professionals in Commercial Property 

The British Council for Offices NextGen Awards​ 2023 rewarded young professionals from AECOM, BGY, Cundall and Turner & Townsend. Held at Quaglino's in...

 Read Full Article
High Performing Buildings – October’s Roundup

ThisWeekinFM’s high-performing buildings roundup features the winners from the British Council for Offices National Awards.   Watch...

 Read Full Article
British Council for Offices Elects New President

Despina Katsikakis, Executive Partner & Global Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield, has been elected as President of the British Council for...

 Read Full Article
High Performing Buildings – May’s Roundup

ThisWeekinFM’s high-performing buildings roundup features more regional winners from the British Council for Offices awards. Winners from the Midlands and...

 Read Full Article