Scotland’s award-winning offices recognised as highly sustainable spaces that put people and communities first
Scotland’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with British Council for Offices’ Awards going to six office buildings across the country.
Held at the Grand Central Hotel, the BCO’s annual Scottish Awards Lunch recognised projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.
The winners of this year’s competition in Scotland stand out for their unparalleled drive to set new sustainability benchmarks, as well as for ensuring occupiers and local communities are at the heart of each development.
In its second year, the ESG Award continues to celebrate the achievements of offices that excel in responding to the sector’s changing environmental, social and governance needs.
The BCO Regional Award winners for Scotland are:
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), Renfrew (Corporate Workplace)
1 New Park Square, Edinburgh (Commercial Workplace)
Deloitte, Edinburgh (Fit-out of Workplace)
Statkraft, The Garment Factory, Glasgow (Projects up to 2,500m2)
Eastworks, Glasgow (Refurbished/Recycled)
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), Renfrew (ESG)
The annual Chair’s Award for an outstanding contribution to the property industry in the region, was presented to Graeme Bone, MD of Drum Property Group.
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, Renfrew, was presented with not only the coveted ‘Corporate Workplace’ but also the award for ESG. Built for the University of Strathclyde and designed by HLM Architects, the judges were hugely impressed that it sets a new standard in environmental and energy achievements, earning BREEAM ‘outstanding’. A pivotal anchor for future development, NMIS is attracting global manufacturers as well as bridging small innovative businesses with larger organisations in an inspiring collaborative space. Its commitment to sustainability, innovation and industry collaboration is quickly establishing NMIS as a beacon of excellence.
Parabola’s ‘1 New Park Square’, Edinburgh, designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, was presented with the award for Best Commercial Workplace. An 87,500 sq. ft. ‘Grade A’ office development, the judging panel awarded this building for its world-class arrival experience and openplan floors. Commenting that this is an exceptional building using high quality finishes andattention to detail throughout, the judges recognised its blend of natural materials and exposed concrete. The needs of tenants have been well understood with the provision of excellent health and wellbeing facilities as well as public restaurants, which have become an attraction in their own right. The panel commented that 1 New Park Square marks the start of the next exciting phase of development in Edinburgh Park.
Deloitte in Edinburgh, designed by Perkins & Will, was presented with the award for Best Fit Out of Workplace with the judging panel impressed by its drive to create an inclusive and sustainable workplace, making barriers invisible and fostering a sense of community. Home to 450 staff and occupying a floor in the new Haymarket Square Building, the panel appreciated the extensive staff engagement, which allowed Deloitte to deliver space with connectivity, flexibility, and collaboration at the heart of its design.
The Award for Projects Up to 2,500 m2 went to Statkraft at the Garment Factory, Glasgow, designed by Graven. A global renewable energy business, Statkraft has created a welcoming space for collaboration, bringing the outdoors inside, with sustainability at its core. Representing Statkraft’s values and Norwegian heritage, the judges were impressed that they had incorporated reclaimed, recycled and upcycled elements throughout, whilst respecting the existing characteristics of the existing building. The panel felt that Statkraft has created a unique space which is clearly loved and enjoyed by its team.
Eastworks in Glasgow, designed for Clyde Gateway by Sheppard Robson and INCH Architecture and Design, took home the award for Best Refurbished / Recycled Project. Preserving and reinventing a prominent structure from Glasgow’s Victorian industrial past, Eastworks offers five creative work spaces totalling 31,700 ft². The 94m-long, double-barrelled structure has been divided to create dramatic office space flooded with natural light with vibrant orange staircases and central mezzanines. The judges were particularly impressed with the community engagement and regeneration that underpins this project; transforming a vacant and derelict structure into light-filled workspaces that create future employment opportunities in the area.
The Scottish winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on 8th October 2024.
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is ISG. Category and Gold sponsors are AECOM and Troup Bywaters + Anders, with Ryden as this year’s regional sponsor. The BCO awards are in association with EG.
Gillian Stewart, Chair of the BCO in Scotland, said: “Occupiers and communities, both within buildings and in their local neighbourhoods, have continued to be driving forces for developers, whether they are building speculatively or on behalf of a client. In the drive to attract people back to our cities, and to build networks within these buildings, we are seeing influence from the hotel and leisure sectors, as well as more focus on softer, people-centred elements.
“People, whether occupiers or the teams behind these developments, continue, rightly, to drive change within the sector. We are seeing recovery from the last few years in the form of exciting, innovative developments, and I feel optimistic that this will continue.”
Donald Reid, Chair of the Scottish Judging panel, added: “”Having spent several days visiting the very best of Scotland’s office projects, the judging panel again had some tough decisions to make. We have seen a continued focus on ESG, wellbeing and hybrid working, as well as community being put at the heart of the development process. Every year, the sector evolves and we see the highest standards of examples of fresh thinking and innovation, which makes the judging process challenging. I would like to congratulate this year’s winners for delivering exciting, future-proofed and sustainable offices to the Scottish market.”
ENDS
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
Sustainability, amenities and employee wellbeing at the core of the region’s leading workplaces.
The Midlands and Central England’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with British Council for Offices Awards going to five office buildings across the region. Held at ICC in Birmingham, the BCO’s annual Midlands and Central Awards Lunch recognised projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.
The winners of this year’s competition in the Midlands and Central England stand out for their ambition in combining user-centric design credentials with the creative implementation of wellbeing and sustainability measures.
The BCO Regional Award winners for the Midlands and Central England are:
One Centenary Way, Paradise, Birmingham (Commercial Workplace)
Arup, One Centenary Way, Paradise, Birmingham (Fit Out of Workplace)
10 Brindleyplace, Birmingham (ESG and Refurbished/Recycled Workplace)
Rare, Manor Park, Twycross, Sheepy Manga (Projects up to 2,500m²)
The new Cambridgeshire HQ of technology consultancy TTP received the award for Best Corporate Workplace. Set amidst the rural landscape of Melbourn, the c.110,000 sq ft campus comprises three distinct, single-storey buildings shaped around collaborative working. BCO judges were particularly impressed with the largest of the buildings, the Hive, formed of a series of modular squares within a lattice grid of circulation. Occupants benefit from a mix of laboratory, flexible workplace and amenity space, including a restaurant and gymnasium. The building boasts a clear connection to nature with significant natural light and external views, while extensive solar shading and PV panels produce 38% of the campus’ energy requirements.
One Centenary Way in Birmingham was crowned Best Commercial Workplace. Judges commended the bravery and ambition of this speculative office scheme, which delivers 280,000 sq ft in the heart of the city’s new mixed-use district. One of Birmingham’s most sustainable buildings, One Centenary Way is all-electric, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A rated, and has been designed to WiredScore requirements for connectivity. It also has a fully demountable superstructure, enabling a circular economy. The building houses the city’s first public cycle hub for 450 bikes, with showers, storage and maintenance facilities, and provides shared access to high quality wellness suites.
Arup’s Birmingham office at One Centenary Way was awarded Best Fit Out of Workplace. The judges were struck by the close collaboration between occupier and developer in redesigning the building’s gas fire boilers to incorporate air source heat provision and smart gateways. Embodied carbon was minimised during the fit-out through a natural and recycled material pallet and the project is on target to achieve WELL Building Platinum certification. Arup’s approach to innovative smart enabling operating systems will also allow for minimal energy use in unoccupied areas of the building. The judging panel applauded the steps Arup had taken to support neurodiversity, wellbeing and inclusivity through a series of flexible workspaces.
Birmingham’s largest refurbishment project at 10 Brindleyplace was the recipient of both the ESG and Refurbished/Recycled Workplace awards. The scheme involved a complex back-to-frame refurbishment to connect two 20-year-old buildings into one single, open and connected floorplate, delivering more than 217,000 sq ft of modern office accommodation. The judges singled out this building for the ambition to pack multiple sustainable and smart features into the specification, resulting in several accreditations including two-star FitWel and WiredScore Platinum certification, and a 65% reduction in energy demand. The panel also recognised the strong focus on wellbeing strategies and amenities such as multiple roof terraces, a climbing wall, gymnasium and events space.
Rare’s Xbox gaming development studio in Twycross, rural Leicestershire, was the winner of the category for Projects up to 2,500m². The two-storey, net zero extension development seamlessly integrates 1,500m² of additional space into an existing campus, catering for more than 70 employees. BCO judges were impressed by the bespoke nature of the design which has been shaped around ecology, amenity, and sustainability, drawing inspiration from regional architecture and using local materials and suppliers. It has led to the development of a timber frame structure that connects with nature and maximises a range of energy saving and water reducing technologies.
Lee Jones, Partner at Quantem and Chair of the BCO Midlands and Central Judging Panel said: “The calibre of this year’s awards has pushed the boundaries of workplace design. The increasing focus on carbon reduction in use and during construction, and a true emphasis on the health and wellbeing of all who use workplaces, has been outstanding.”
Rob van Zyl, Building Services Partner at Cundall and Chairman of the BCO Midlands committee said: “These offices represent best practice in a post-pandemic world. Society has been forever changed, and with it the workplace of the future is emerging. In this exciting year when we look forward to the BCO conference in the region, these outstanding projects demonstrate what can be achieved by creative and dedicated teams who are delivering exceptional offices for the Midlands and Central England.”
Midlands and Central England winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on Tuesday 8 October 2024.
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is ISG. Gold sponsors are AECOM and Troup Bywaters + Anders, with Overbury and Quantem as this year’s regional sponsors. The BCO awards are in association with EG.
ENDS
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
The BCO Annual Conference provides a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your peers old and new, and expand your professional network. We have a busy three days lined up, but there will also be plenty of opportunities to socialise, relax and enjoy Birmingham.
Make sure you’ve checked off your ‘To Do’ list:
Secured your ticket.
Found somewhere to stay with our preferential room rates.
Booked your transportation (for information on greener travel choices, see page 59 of the conference brochure)
Registered for your chosen tours and seminars.
Referred to the delegate list to see who’ll be joining you.
Explored the official conference charity page.
NextGen member? Take a look at our supplementary NextGen programme.
If you have already booked your ticket, but are yet to decide on your personalised conference agenda, we encourage you to do so soon. Simply log in to the booking system and select ‘Edit Registration’.
What are you hoping to get out of the BCO Annual Conference 2024? Join the conversation online using #BCOconference #Birmingham2024
#BCOconference #Birmingham2024
In this blog, David Porter – Head of the Manchester Commercial Office for Knight Frank and Vice Chair of British Council for Offices in the North – offers the lowdown on the region’s thriving office market.
2023: a mixed bag
According to Knight Frank’s UK Cities 2024, different factors, including economic difficulties, high costs, and conflict overseas, challenged office market activity in 2023. The result was a broad decline in office take-up, with investment volumes falling below average.
However, looking at the North on a city-by-city basis, there were some significant stand-outs last year:
Despite the second half of the year showing improvement, office take-up in Manchester fell short of the 1m sq. ft. mark, finishing at 942,000 sq ft. – which is 14% below the five-year annual average. Manchester saw 221 deals completed against an average of 213; above the five-year average.
Compare this to Leeds, which experienced strong occupier demand in 2023, with the city registering the highest level of annual take-up in four years. A total of 651,461 sq. ft. was acquired, 10% above the five-year annual average and a 9% year-on-year increase. The number of deals rose slightly from the previous year: 127 completed, which was 17% above the five-year annual average.
In Sheffield, occupier activity increased in 2023, with take-up of 374,120 sq ft. – a 21% increase on the previous year that was 6% above the 10-year annual average. Despite above average levels of take-up, just 40% was for grade A space, owing to the lack of suitable space available in the city.
So, while the overall outlook for the UK in 2023 wasn’t exceptional, there was definite cause for optimism, especially in the North – a huge growth area for commercial development.
It’s now time to turn our attention to this year, and look forward to a successful year for the office market.
What’s in store for 2024?
Businesses will continue to look through a ‘green lens’ when it comes to achieving environmental goals through their investment in commercial spaces.
ESG standards, including energy-efficient upgrades and green certifications, are vital for investors, occupiers and lenders. But according to Knight Frank’s latest research, approximately 79% of office spaces in the UK fall short of an EPC B rating, requiring upgrade work to avoid depreciation or obsolescence.
Wondering where to stay? Take advantage of our special room rates
If you haven’t yet booked your accommodation, we have reserved a limited number of rooms at preferential rates. Take a look at the varied options and secure your room directly with the hotel of your choice by quoting the promotional code or using the booking link listed on our website. The availability of rooms with preferential rates will be limited from March onwards. We therefore recommend that you make your reservations at the earliest opportunity.
This week, we are celebrating the women in our industry as part of International Women’s Day and Women in Construction week; giving us the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on the outstanding women joining us in Birmingham this May.
Maggie Grogan: Maggie joined Muse in 2020 and having launched the Midlands office in 2022, Maggie secured Muse as regeneration partner for the £3.2bn Arden Cross project – one of the Midlands most important regeneration opportunities. In less than three years Maggie has risen through the ranks, blazing a trail for women in property and becoming the first female regional Managing Director at Muse, delivering the company vision to create new places across the Midlands.
Alexandra King: Alex King is lecturer on the BA Interior Architecture and Design course at Birmingham City University. She has a MA in Architecture from the University of Edinburgh, a Part II Graduate Diploma in Architecture from the University of Westminster, and is a Fellow of the HEA. Alex has worked within architectural practice and interior design across various locations including London, New York and Birmingham. The majority of her time in practice was spent working on heritage and educational projects for international practice Hawkins\Brown, and within the hospitality sector for StudioIlse.
Selina Mason: Selina Mason is an Architect and masterplanner who is responsible for delivering high quality design and masterplanning across Lendlease’s UK and Europe urban regeneration portfolio. Currently she is also Development Director on Smithfield Birmingham. Selina also has an Honorary Fellowship from RIBA and she is a Design Council Ambassador and was recently appointed by the Government to the Urban Centre Recovery Task Force.
Leah Jones: Leah has had an extensive career delivering transformational change in challenging environments. Change portfolios Leah has led have included digital, legislative and workplace transformation. Leah has been with the Government Property Agency since 2019, joining as the Programme Manager for the cross-government Smarter Working Programme and is now responsible for the Workplace Experience team, a collaborative, empowered and customer-focused team who are making a tangible difference to Civil Service ways of working.
Hannah Critchlow: Dr Hannah Critchlow is an internationally-acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster, author and Fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge. Best known for demystifying the human brain, she has appeared on BBC, ABC and Korean TV and Radio, notably in the Great Minds Series, Tomorrow’s World Live and BBC Radio 4’s Destiny and the Brain. In 2022 Hannah received an Honorary Doctorate from Brunel University for her work in neuroscience and communication, and in 2019 was named by Nature as one of their ‘Rising Stars in Life Sciences’.
Rick Lee is the NW&Y retrofit leader for Arup, and he will be sharing his experience of delivering the challenging refurbishment of the Grade I listed York Guildhall complex. Rick will cover the history of the site, the challenges the client, consultant and contractor teams overcame to secure the next stage of this iconic building.
Rick is a structural engineer who specialises in retrofit and heritage projects and led the Arup team civil and structural team for over 7 years on the York Guildhall refurbishment.
Friday, 8 March 2024 12 pm – 3 pm The Guildhall, York
Come and enjoy the vibrant and historic atmosphere of the Guildhall whilst networking over a delicious three-course meal. This event offers attendees the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and share insights into the future of the workplace.
Tables are allocated on a first come/first served basis, so we encourage you to book early to ensure a prime position.
With thanks to our sponsors:
We are pleased to see that delegates have been quick to secure tickets now that bookings for the 2024 Annual Conference have opened to both BCO members and non-members. If you are planning on joining us in Bimingham this year, we strongly encourage you to book sooner rather than later.
This year’s plenary sessions will hear from leading voices that will bring to light multiple perspectives and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. Seminars will reflect the extraordinary times in which we live and work, and will provide a forum for an intimate exploration of a variety of topics including AI and culture. Join the debate on the power of partnership in development and regeneration projects, the impact of social value on lending for developers, and what today’s life science occupier looks like. Read more.
TOURS
Over the past decade, this city, famously known as the ‘workshop of the world’ has lived up to its name, quietly delivering a number of sizeable new developments, including 103 Colmore Row, Enterprise Wharf, and the Paradise regeneration project. We are pleased to say the conference programme will offer opportunities to tour a number of these schemes. There are currently 14 options to choose between, from innovative buildings and offices to cultural walks – there are plenty of tours to inspire. Be sure to secure your top tour choices as soon as possible! View the full list.
GOLF CLUB
Join us on Wednesday 22 May at the Arden Golf Club to play the Arden Course. Located in the heart of the Midlands, the Forest of Arden is set in 10,000 acres of Warwickshire parkland and ancient woodland and is recognised as one of the premier golf destinations in the UK. The Arden Course, designed by Donald Steele in 1992, has played host to a succession of international tournaments, including the British Masters and the English Open. The day concludes with BBQ lunch and prize giving. Check the itinerary.
CYCLE CHALLENGE
This year’s cycle challenge, in support of The Brain Tumour Charity will take place from Sunday 19 to Wednesday 22 May. The ride will depart on Monday morning from Newcastle. With distant views of the North Pennines, the ride will showcase the best the northeast has to offer before heading further south offering distant views to the Yorkshire Dales in the west and North York Moors and Howardian Hills in the east. On the final day riders will skirt the edge of the Peak District before arriving in Birmingham on Wednesday afternoon! Further details.
The BCO’s NextGen community is growing fast. Numbers have increased up more than a quarter over the past year to more than 1,200 members, making the NextGen contingent a third of the total BCO membership. This vibrant community will play an important role in this year’s conference. This year’s offering includes a series of events targeted at NextGen members, as well as several networking opportunities. Further details.
We are excited to announce the first of two speakers for our inaugural Northern Lunch!
Gerald Jennings
Gerald Jennings, Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Gerald is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and has worked in the property sector for over 30 years. He joined Land Securities in 1999 after spending 14 years with the Burton Group formerly known as Arcadia, where he was responsible for the company’s property portfolio throughout the UK. Before stepping down in 2015, Gerald was Land Securities’ Retail Portfolio Director based in the company’s Leeds office.
Gerald is a passionate member of the business community and has also been actively involved in several social enterprises and charities. Amongst his roles, he was Chairman of the contemporary art gallery at The Tetley and a Non-Executive Director at the Ahead Partnership. He helped set up and introduce the Leeds BID and was a Governor at the Leeds City College group (now known as the Luminate Group) until the new campus at Quarry Hill in Leeds was developed and opened in September 2019.
He is currently a Non-Executive Director at Henry Boot PLC, the Chairman of Social (Leeds), and the Chairman of the Morley Town Deal Board. He also runs his own property investment and consultancy business, G R Jennings Properties Ltd
The networking lunch will be held at The Guildhall, York on Friday, 8 March 2024. The Guildhall has been recently restored by the City of York Council and offers a captivating space to host the BCO’s first Northern Lunch.
Come and enjoy the vibrant and historic atmosphere whilst networking over a delicious three-course meal. This event offers attendees the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and share insights into the future of the workplace. Following lunch, attendees will also hear from our industry speaker, Gerald Jennings.
Tables are allocated on a first come/first served basis, so we encourage you to book early to ensure a prime position.
With thanks to our sponsors:
CREATING VIBRANCY
We are delighted to announce the full programmefor the BCO Annual Conference 2024 in Birmingham. This year will see a brilliant series of events taking place pre-conference, along with a host of learning and networking opportunities throughout. As ever, it will be a test of stamina for those taking part!
Scroll down for more information and to download the conference brochure.
This year’s BCO Golf Cup will take place at the Forest of Arden, with golfers playing the Arden course, designed by Donald Steele in 1992. The now renowned BCO Cycle Challenge will see cyclists pedal 270 spectacular miles across 3 days, and will raise funds for TheBrain Tumour Charity,our partner charity for the conference.
Hear from leading voices during the plenary sessions that will bring to light multiple perspectives and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. Seminars will reflect the extraordinary times in which we live and work, and will provide a forum for an intimate exploration of a variety of topics including AI and culture.
The tours will provide an alternative option to the conference seminars and they will uncover the city’s rich architectural heritage, and explore the headquarters of some of the most innovative companies.
BCO NextGen will again offer a supplementary programme for young professionals within the sector, providing activities that sit alongside the main itinerary, to add value to the conference experience and encourage greater participation from this important community within the BCO.
Want to know more? Download this year’s conference brochure. Here you will find detailed information on all aspects of the 2024 conference programme, including the party at the Luna Springs in Digbeth, one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in Birmingham, as well as the photography competition, back for the 5th year running.
“I encourage you all to join us as this is an important moment for the office, where the future of the workplace continues to be a topic of debate”. Read more from Peter Crowther, BCO Senior Vice President and Conference Chair.
BRITISH COUNCIL FOR OFFICES CROWNS THE UK’S BEST WORKPLACES
The nation’s award-winning offices showcase creative, flexible and inspiring work environments which make a positive impact on the surrounding communities
Peter Crowther appointed President of the British Council for Offices
Peter Crowther, Co-Founder at HERE, has been elected President of the British Council for Offices (BCO) with immediate effect, following yesterday’s BCO annual general meeting.
Make sure you’re kept up to date on BCO news and events by signing up to event and monthly newsletter emails. Emails direct to your inbox will ensure you receive opportunities to attend our events before they sell out. You can also opt-in to receive postal mailings from the BCO, including special event booking forms
October 10, 2024 
By BCO Media 
