Next year’s BCO Annual Conference will take place in Paris, it has been revealed.

Between 28 and 30 June 2027, the UK’s best and brightest from across the world of workspace will descend on the city of light for what the BCO intends to be its most sustainable conference yet.

With a theme of Urban Alchemy, we’ll be looking beyond what the workspace is as a physical entity and examining what it means for place.

Building on our conversations in Edinburgh at this year’s conference, we’ll be seeking to have even more challenging conversations, debates and workshops that push our sector to continually improve the space and places we design, develop and operate.

While Edinburgh delivered a Festival of Enlightenment, in Paris we’ll be unlocking the power of change and positive transformation.

John Wright, junior vice president and director at Stride Treglown, who will be chair of the 2027 conference, said: “I am excited to be bringing together a conference that will blend inspiring speakers, enlightening tours, challenging workshops and debates, and memorable networking events – creating ‘Urban Alchemy’ and change, and set in one of the world’s great cities.”

Register your interest for the Paris conference here and get early access to our special hotel rates. Further details will follow soon.

If you’re interested in partnership opportunities for next year’s conference please drop us a line at partnerships@bco.org.uk and if you’ve got an idea for a tour, workshop or debate don’t hesitate to contact BCO chief executive Sam McClary an email at samantha.mcclary@bco.org.uk or conference chair John Wright at johnwright@stridetreglown.com

Over the last 30 years, expectations around office design have evolved beyond recognition, writes John Robertson,  founder of John Robertson Architects.

Within an ever-competitive leasing market, amenity provision and employee wellbeing have become a key determinant in rental prices with occupier demands ranging from the quality and detail of the interiors to the extent of amenity space (such as roof top terraces and end of trip facilities). From the developer side, the raising of capital – and often planning – is predicated upon strong sustainability credentials and strict operational & embodied carbon reduction strategies.

Neither of these issues were at the forefront of the market in the early 1990s. In addition, the standards that buildings are judged against have evolved to reflect these changing expectations. However, the lifecycle of One Great St Helen’s (OGSH) indicates that the BCO Specification, first published in 1994, was not just about technical guidance; instead, it produced a market-changing framework for creating offices capable of standing the test of time.

Complex planning journey

Commissioned by Greycoat in 1995, OGSH was one of JRA’s early projects and a pioneering speculative 70,000 sq ft office scheme for London. Located away from the historic City core around Bank, OGSH dominated a townscape very different to the dense commercial district that exists today. We had a complex planning journey with the City of London Corporation due to the building’s intricate urban context, nestling between the neo-Georgian parish church of St Helen’s to the north, the winding contour of the Undershaft to the east and Crosby Square to the south – long before developments such as 30 St Mary Axe or The Leadenhall Building appeared across the Eastern Cluster.

The consented scheme was one of the first offices developed to meet the 1997 edition of the Guide to Specification and went on to receive a BCO Award for Best Commercial Office, South and South-East Region in 2000. Its recent retrofit was also a finalist in the 2026 BCO London Awards in the Recycled Workplace category.

JRA’s design sought to respond sensitively to its neighbours through a distinctive curved façade and efficient floorplates which reflected the then emerging priorities of the BCO Specification. The original guidance placed significant emphasis on flexibility, natural light, servicing, circulation, and occupational efficiency – principles now taken for granted within office design, but still relatively new to speculative development at the time.

Greycoat, which was closely involved in the development of the first BCO Specification, recognised the opportunity to demonstrate how these standards could be successfully delivered within London. Importantly, OGSH was not considered a prime site, allowing us to test emerging best practice in a commercially realistic context without excessive risk.

Change reaction

Its leasing success was equally significant. The building was let to commercial insurer Hiscox within weeks of completion, with the insurer remaining in occupation for the next 25 years – a strong endorsement of the enduring quality of our original vision.

In 2021, JRA was reappointed by Rafer Investments to comprehensively refurbish and reposition OGSH to meet contemporary leasing, ESG and occupier requirements. By then, the surrounding context had already undergone dramatic change, with the Eastern Cluster emerging as London’s most recognisable commercial skylines and occupiers placing far greater emphasis on amenity provision and wellbeing, particularly in a post-Covid environment.

What became immediately apparent during the refurbishment process was just how well the original building had stood up against the BCO’s 2019 updated specification. Encouragingly, many of the fundamentals established nearly 30 years earlier remained entirely relevant and, as a result, the project became less about correcting obsolescence and more about giving OGSH a new lease of life.

The refurbishment, completed earlier last year, introduced a new level 10 amenity floor incorporating a winter garden and roof terrace with sweeping views across some of London’s tallest buildings. At basement level, the former car park was reconfigured to provide cycling and changing facilities, reflecting changing patterns of workplace use and a greater emphasis on active travel. And at lower ground level, we have formed a new light well creating new workspace in what was previously secondary accommodation. But the core ideas of OGSH’s design – and the 1997 Specification that informed them – have remained.

OGSH shows us that offices designed and built to the highest industry standards not only have tremendous staying power but can also provide demonstrable and significant returns on initial investment.

Imagery: © Jack Hobhouse

Arup, Standard Life and Fieldfisher. Three major corporate occupiers united by a shared focus: relocation to premium office space in Birmingham city centre.

To find out more about this ‘great office migration’ and what’s behind the increasing focus on Birmingham city centre, the BCO’s Midlands committee teamed up with the West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Growth Company and CBRE Investment Management. Together they held a seminar, hosted by Insider Media deputy editor Ian Griffin, at 10 Brindleyplace.

Why Birmingham? Why now?

According to Theo Holmes, BCO Midlands committee member and CBRE’s head of office agency for the Midlands, this is not a new trend, but it is one that has accelerated in recent years.

The movement towards Birmingham city centre gathered pace post-Covid as the role of the office changed significantly, said Holmes. Businesses today increasingly want to locate where their customers, competitors and talent are, and the city centre provides that ecosystem.

Historically, there was a perception that graduates would leave Birmingham. Today, more and more are choosing to build their careers in the city. And with more than 200,000 students and graduates across the region’s universities, businesses are increasingly recognising that the talent they need is already here.

For Chris Lawes, sector lead of business, professional and financial services at West Midlands Growth Company, Birmingham’s appeal comes down to three factors: scale, skills and connectivity.

The West Midlands is the largest regional economy outside London, with  a substantial professional and financial services workforce and a strong graduate pipeline. Businesses can also access London, Europe and international markets through Birmingham’s transport infrastructure.

Relocation, relocation, relocation 

Lucy Thompson, head of property and workspace at Standard Life, Ranjit Dhindsa, Birmingham office leader at Fieldfisher and Alison Kilby, associate director at Arup, all played key roles in shaping where their organisations’ new Birmingham offices would be located. All chose the city centre.

Standard Life relocated to 10 Brindleyplace from its campus-style office in Wythall, reducing its footprint by 90% to 25,000 sq ft.

The decision was not simply about reducing space. When organisations are making location decisions, access to talent is often the deciding factor and for Standard Life, attraction, retention and future skills requirements all influenced the move.

“Birmingham’s future talent pipeline is one of its biggest strengths,” said Thompson. “That’s a powerful argument when making long-term investment decisions.”

Future skills requirements are becoming increasingly important. AI, digital skills and technology capabilities are reshaping workforce needs and Birmingham is positioning itself at the centre of those growth sectors.

Following the business

Fieldfisher was formerly based at Blythe Valley Park, near the M42. While geographically close to Birmingham, Dhindsa described it as a location that could feel disconnected when meeting clients and professional advisers.

The law firm recently relocated to 2 Chamberlain Square, placing it at the heart of the city’s professional services community.

While Birmingham is a global player, it also has a local feel too – the kind of place where you can see a lawyer, banker and surveyor on the same short stroll through Colmore Row. For professional services firms that proximity matters.

“We want to be close to all our intermediaries,” said Dhindsa. “We’re just following the business.”

Getting connected

Arup previously occupied a campus-style location in Solihull and spent around £80,000 a year transporting staff to and from the site.

“When we originally moved, we were promised transport links and infrastructure improvements that never really materialised,” said Kilby. The city centre offered significantly better accessibility.

Having made an early decision to relocate to One Centenary Way, Arup gave employees the opportunity to help shape their future workplace. What emerged was a consistent desire for better amenities, stronger connectivity, improved workplace experience and more sustainable offices.

Ultimately, Kilby said, the only place those ambitions could realistically be achieved was within Grade A city-centre office space.

Electric dreams

ESG considerations were central to decision-making across the panel.

Standard Life relocated into an EPC A-rated, all-electric building, with carbon reduction, sustainable design and public transport access all influencing the project.

At Arup, ESG shaped both the building and fit out strategy. The company challenged developers to remove gas systems, prioritised all-electric solutions and focused on reducing embodied carbon through reused materials and low-carbon products.

Arup estimates the move will reduce commuting related carbon emissions by around 80% and business travel emissions by approximately 20%.

Birmingham’s story

The panel agreed that Birmingham’s wider growth story remains an important factor when competing for investment.

Boards often sit in London and assess opportunities across the UK and Europe. Making the case for Birmingham requires a compelling narrative around talent, innovation and future growth.

It’s why the city’s mic-drop moment at UKREiiF where Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands launched Britain’s biggest and most powerful mayoral development corporation, speeding up £11bn of regeneration, was so important.

As the city continues to promote major regeneration opportunities, investment districts and growth sectors, it strengthens the case for businesses choosing Birmingham as a long-term base.

Why Birmingham city centre works: 10 key takeaways

1. Talent wins
   When organisations make location decisions, access to talent is often the deciding factor. Birmingham’s graduate population and growing professional workforce are major draws.
2. The office has changed
   Modern workplaces are no longer just places to work. They are increasingly designed to support collaboration, culture, innovation and employee engagement.
3. Accessibility matters
   Access to rail, tram and wider transport networks makes Birmingham city centre significantly easier for employees, clients and visitors to reach.
4. Follow the business
   Professional services firms increasingly want to be where their clients, advisers and industry partners already are, creating a powerful city-centre cluster effect.
5. Smaller offices can support bigger ambitions
   Standard Life reduced its footprint by around 90%, while Fieldfisher took additional space with growth in mind. The focus is less on square footage and more on what the workplace enables.
6. Change is cultural
   Successful relocations require more than a property transaction. Employee engagement, communication and early involvement are critical to bringing people with you.
7. ESG is fundamental
   Sustainability is now embedded within workplace decision-making, influencing everything from building selection to fit-out materials and commuting patterns.
8. Grade A space is part of the attraction
   Modern occupiers increasingly expect high-quality buildings with strong amenities, sustainability credentials and a better overall workplace experience.
9. What happens outside work matters
   Restaurants, cultural venues, events and social opportunities all contribute to recruitment, retention and stronger workplace culture.
10. A compelling growth story
    Competing for investment means competing with cities across the UK and Europe. A clear narrative around talent, innovation and future growth remains essential.

If you’d like to find out more about the BCO’s events, check out our calendar here: https://www.bco.org.uk/events

Good landscape design – in and outside of your workspace – is social infrastructure. Getting it right can support mental health, reduce stress, improve navigation, encourage civic life and unlock wider investment.

This was the topic of discussion at a recently hosted BCO Scotland event that brought together Greg Meikle, regional director at OOBE, Gordon Yeaman, director at MLA and Cameron Kerr’s Bernie Carr, to argue that biophilic design is so much more than just the introduction of plants into buildings.

A recurring theme was that landscape and external environment should not be treated as an afterthought, with the panel arguing that public realm, planting, views, daylight, thermal comfort and access to nature all influence how people experience buildings and cities.

The speakers challenged the idea that indoor planting alone delivered biophilic outcomes.

Plants can help, but only when the underlying environmental “canvas” is right. However, offices are often highly artificial environments: fixed temperatures, fixed lighting levels and controlled airflow.

Proper biophilic design requires more dynamic, naturalistic conditions, including daylight variation, air movement, material texture, views, seasonal change and opportunities to move between different environments.

The debate also connected biophilic design with trauma-informed design, with the panel highlighting how external routes, thresholds, wayfinding, colour, material changes and safe arrival sequences can materially affect whether people feel able to access a building. In healthcare and education contexts, better-designed environments were said to contribute to fewer missed appointments and reduced pressure on services.

 Another strong thread throughout the conversation was measurement. The panel acknowledged that the sector was good at measuring isolated components such as canopy cover, light levels or floor area, but much less effective at measuring lived experience. Post-occupancy evaluation was identified as essential, particularly if designers want to prove that early investment in landscape, public realm and environmental quality creates real value.

The discussion concluded with a focus on Glasgow and Scotland more generally. The panel suggested that Scotland was still behind parts of England and Europe in treating landscape and public realm as a primary driver of development quality. Projects such as George Square, the Avenues and the Clyde were discussed as opportunities to use landscape, water, biodiversity and “meanwhile” interventions to make the city centre healthier, more attractive and more investable.

Top ten takeaways

1. Biophilic design is not just plants
   It includes daylight, air movement, thermal variation, natural materials, views, smell, sound, texture, seasonality and people’s emotional experience of space.
2. Landscape must be involved from day one
   Leaving external space until the end usually reduces it to “green sauce” rather than a meaningful part of the development strategy.
3. The base environment matters before decoration
   A rigid, sealed, artificially lit office cannot become genuinely biophilic simply by adding planting.
4. Real plants outperform artificial ones
   Their value is not only visual. They change, grow, support air quality, create moments of attention and give people a sense of living connection.
5. Experience is harder to measure than cost, but no less important
   The panel called for better post-occupancy evaluation to understand how spaces are actually used and felt.
6. Biophilic design can support trauma recovery and accessibility
   Safe routes, clear thresholds, intuitive wayfinding and softer sensory environments can reduce anxiety and help people feel able to enter and use buildings.
7. Choice is critical
   People need different types of space: light and dark, open and sheltered, social and quiet, warm and cool.
8. Thermal variation can be positive
   The panel discussed “thermal alliesthesia”: the pleasure and stimulation people can feel from moving between different thermal conditions rather than sitting in one fixed temperature all day
9. Public realm investment can unlock wider value
   Good streets, squares, green spaces and riverfronts can improve wellbeing while also encouraging commercial and civic investment
10. Scotland needs to treat landscape as social infrastructure
    The strongest closing point was that biophilic and landscape-led design should be outcome-based, strategic and embedded early, not treated as optional aesthetic enhancement.

If you’d like to find out more about the BCO’s events, check out our calendar here: https://www.bco.org.uk/events

From Pixel in Penzance to Arlington Square in Bracknell, workspaces across the South of England and South Wales are leading the way in design, sustainability and occupier experience.

Six incredible buildings were crowned winners at the BCO awards, held at We The Curious in Bristol last night.

Swansea Council’s 71-72 The Kingsway picked up two awards for Commercial Workplace and Innovation. Judges said that the building stood out for its “seamless integration of architectural quality, sustainability, and user-focused innovation”.

The scheme was described as an “enabler for future regeneration” in Swansea that was “pushing boundaries, delivering creative solutions in design, construction, and environmental performance that elevate both occupier experience and long-term asset value”.

The BCO award winners for the South of England and South Wales are:

• Commercial Workplace: 71-72 The Kingsway, Swansea
• Corporate Workplace: Pixel Penzance, Causewayhead, Penzance
• Fit Out of Workplace: Christopher Ward HQ, 14-18 Bell Street, Maidenhead
• Projects up to 2,500 sq m: 3 Arlington Square, Bracknell
• Refurbished / Recycled Workplace: The Works, Farleigh Bridge, East Farleigh
• Innovation: 71-72 The Kingsway, Swansea
• ESG: Welcome Building, Avon Street, Bristol

Harry Allen, chair of the South of England & South Wales judging panel and director, South West Office Agency at Savills, said: “What stands out across this year’s projects is their impact beyond the workplace itself. From revitalising town centres and supporting local economies to redefining the role of the modern office, each scheme demonstrates how far the sector has evolved. Collectively, they reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability, wellbeing and creating workplaces with a strong sense of place.”

Samantha McClary, BCO chief executive, added: “Vibrant, impactful, enablers, drivers of economic growth. This is exactly what our workspaces are and this has been powerfully underscored by not just this year’s winners at the South of England & South Wales BCO Awards, but through every project shortlist. Innovation is clearly strong in the region and the depth and breadth of projects from Cornwall to Berkshire is not just inspiring to see but is clear further evidence that the idea that the office is dead, is most definitely fake news.”

South of England & South Wales winners will compete to be the best of the best at the BCO National Awards on Tuesday 6 October 2026 at London’s Grosvenor House hotel. Tickets go on sale on 3 June.

This year’s Gold sponsors are AET Flexible Space and Troup Bywaters + Anders. Overbury is Silver sponsor and MCS is Bronze sponsor. Estates Gazette is media partner for the awards.

THE WINNERS:

Commercial Workplace and Innovation Award: 71-72 The Kingsway, Swansea

What is it? A standout commercial scheme that sets a new benchmark for workplace design, combining high-performance building systems with flexible, future-ready spaces.

The judges said: “71-72 The Kingsway stood out for its seamless integration of architectural quality, sustainability, and user-focused innovation. It is an enabler for future regeneration of Swansea city centre, with multiple active frontages, new routes, and a bold architectural approach. It is innovative in both its sustainable and visual design, material use and procurement strategy in a challenging rental market. This scheme pushes boundaries, delivering creative solutions in design, construction, and environmental performance that elevate both occupier experience and long-term asset value.”

 Corporate Workplace: Pixel Penzance, Causewayhead, Penzance

What is it? A design-led response to high street decline, creating a landmark creative hub that blends innovation with heritage.

The judges said: “Pixel’s flexible, future-proofed studio leasing model actively supports Penzance’s creative sector, driving economic regeneration and community engagement. The project  demonstrates long-term value and showcases robust environmental credentials: BREEAM Excellent, lifecycle carbon assessment and passive design. Pixel shows how corporate investment can revive communities, champion sustainability and nurture business ecosystems.”

Fit Out of Workplace: Christopher Ward HQ, 14-18 Bell Street, Maidenhead

What is it? A 10,079 sq ft fit out integrating administration, design studios, logistics, repair facilities, and customer experience showrooms under one roof.

The judges said: “This holistic approach optimises the flow of components and is designed to accommodate future growth and flexible working. The “pickable” showroom walls are original and give customers direct physical interaction, enhancing brand experience and reinforcing Christopher Ward’s identity as a maker of high-quality mechanical watches. The fit out excels by consolidating operations. It successfully supports hybrid working while providing high quality customer engagement through interactive showrooms. The scheme also demonstrates value and sustainability, with 92% of construction waste being recycled or reused.”

Projects up to 2,500m²: 3 Arlington Square, Bracknell

What is it? A vibrant workplace transformation that blends wellness, connectivity, and outdoor amenities in a campus-style setting.

The judges said: “Aligned with the principles championed by BCO, this project illustrates how targeted design interventions, even at a relatively small scale, can have a big impact and transform underutilised common areas within an existing building. The amenities significantly improve the tenant experience while fostering community and promoting wellbeing within the workplace. What made this a compelling entry is the sense of community this creates, achieved within a modest footprint.”

Refurbished / Recycled Workplace: The Works, Farleigh Bridge, East Farleigh

What is it? A small but impactful and well-crafted refurbishment that exemplifies the value of reuse and reinvention.

The judges said: “Sensitive yet transformative, this project has breathed new life into the structure of a Victorian pump house with great visual appeal. The project strikes an effective balance between retaining character and introducing contemporary interventions, demonstrating strong sustainability credentials through material reuse and reduced embodied carbon. A thoughtful and well executed scheme that highlights the potential of refurbishment as a viable and responsible alternative to new build.”

ESG Award: Welcome Building, Bristol

What is it? A best-in-class commercial development that has helped redefine Grade A office provision in Bristol.

The judges said: “It delivers exceptional sustainability, wellbeing and amenity standards, achieving BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A and targeting a NABERS 5 Star rating. Its striking design, with large flexible floorplates and an amenity-rich internal “Street”, creates a vibrant, hospitality-led environment of exceptional quality. The project also delivered meaningful social value through local employment, community initiatives and public art. With its landmark presence, market-leading specification and curated interiors, Welcome Building represents a significant step forward for commercial workspace in the region.”

BCO South of England and South Wales media contact: Georgie Butler at Barques on 0121 230 2080

A focus on people, place and protecting the planet came through powerfully in this year’s winners of the BCO’s Midlands & Central England Awards.

On Friday 8 May 2026 at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, the BCO’s annual awards lunch celebrated five incredible workplaces, ranging from transformative refurbishments to an exemplary, double-award-winning office development.

The BCO regional award winners for the Midlands & Central England are:

• Commercial Workplace: Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
• Fit Out of Workplace: Standard Life, 10 Brindleyplace, Birmingham
• Projects up to 2,500 sq m: NESO The Energy Lab, Warwick
• Refurbished / Recycled Workplace: 19 Cornwall Street, Birmingham
• Innovation:1 BHIC, Birmingham
• ESG: Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham

Double winner Three Chamberlain Square stood out for judges for placing sustainability, wellbeing and operational carbon at the core of its design and development and for “redefining what is possible in a heritage setting”.

Emma Cochrane, chair of the Midlands & Central England judging panel and director at Weedon Architects said: “The BCO Awards continue to recognise the teams creating exceptional workplaces. This year’s entries demonstrate the ongoing evolution of office design, with a strong focus on high-quality spaces that foster collaboration and prioritise people’s wellbeing. Sustainability and carbon-conscious design continue to drive innovation in re-use, material selection, and experimentation. Congratulations to all the regional winners, and best of luck in the National Awards.”

Rob van Zyl, chair of the BCO Midlands Committee and partner at Cundall said: “The BCO Awards recognise offices that push the boundaries of what great workplaces can be. This year’s winning projects highlight how intelligent design, low‑carbon thinking and a human‑centred approach can come together to create buildings that are resilient, flexible and inspiring.

“They reflect the Midlands and Central England’s growing reputation for delivering high‑quality, sustainable workplaces — offices that not only perform well technically, but support wellbeing, productivity and positive social impact.”

Samantha McClary, BCO chief executive, added: “BCO award winning workspaces continue to define what good looks like and it is incredibly inspiring to see, not just through the winners, but through every entry, how our sector is creating places with purpose. Places that put people and the planet at the heart of what they deliver. This sector is leading the way and it is a great privilege for the BCO to be able to celebrate best-in-class and to showcase the excellence that our designers, developers and operators of workspaces are creating. Congratulations to all our winners and shortlisted entries.”

Midlands and Central England winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on Tuesday 6 October 2026 at London’s Grosvenor House hotel. Tickets go on sale next month.

This year’s Gold sponsors are AET Flexible Space and Troup and Bywaters + Anders. Overbury and Quantem are Silver sponsors. Estates Gazette is media partner for the awards.

THE WINNERS:

Commercial Workplace and ESG Award: Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham

What is it? A commercial workplace distinguished by its terracotta façade, forming part of the 1.8m sq ft Paradise masterplan.

The judges said: “Sustainability, wellbeing and operational carbon were at the core of the design and construction process, resulting in a fully electric and fossil fuel free development. The scheme demonstrates exemplary environmental credentials and material innovation, achieving BREEAM Outstanding and targeting a NABERS 5* rating – firsts for the West Midlands – alongside an EPC A rating, WiredScore and ActiveScore Platinum. Responding sensitively to its historic context, the project draws inspiration from its surroundings while redefining what is possible in a heritage setting.”

Fit Out of Workplace: 10 Brindleyplace, Birmingham

What is it? A sixth-floor transformation for Phoenix Group, marking a pivotal move under the Standard Life brand from its expansive former Wythall campus to a compact city-centre hub.

The judges said: “The new workplace delivers a dynamic, people-focused environment centred on collaboration, flexibility and wellbeing. Adaptable workstations, biophilic design and the extensive reuse of materials significantly reduce embodied carbon, while smart utilisation technology enhances operational efficiency. The project is recognised as a forward-looking workplace that successfully balances flexibility, performance and employee experience, reflecting a renewed sense of culture and identity.”

Projects up to 2,500m²: NESO The Energy Lab, Warwick

What is it? A pilot scheme representing a workplace solution that facilitated the transition away from National Grid into an independent organisation.

The judges said: “Achieved through a collaborative approach which included an extensive 90-strong staff-led design process, this project places its people at the centre of its vision. The judges were particularly impressed by the circular economy principles adopted, with the reuse of existing materials and remanufactured furniture forming a core part of the delivery. The notable achievement of zero waste to landfill further distinguished the scheme.”

Refurbished / Recycled Workplace: 19 Cornwall Street, Birmingham

What is it? A back-to-frame refurbishment retaining and reusing much of the existing fabric while fundamentally repurposing the asset into a modern workplace with a focus on ESG and occupier wellbeing. 

The judges said: “Recycled materials are integral to the design, supporting an operational net zero carbon approach. Material use was minimised, with a focus on low-carbon, locally sourced, and high-recycled-content options. The building has embraced Smart Pass technology, offering seamless connectivity and user experience, alongside sophisticated building system control with data capture for monitoring and reporting. This refurbishment is an excellent example of carefully measured sympathetic intervention to deliver a modern, future-ready workplace.”

Innovation: No.1 BHIC, Birmingham

What is it? No.1 BHIC represents the first phase of a health and innovation campus near the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The judges said: “From the impressive double-height event space and communal café to a diverse mix of laboratory, flexible office and training environments, this project sets a new UK benchmark for integrated commercial, clinical and academic workplaces. Strong occupancy success at the time of visit reflects its market appeal. Underpinned by a robust approach to sustainability and future-proofing, No.1 BHIC combines all the key ingredients needed to create a nationally significant destination for the life sciences sector.”

AET Flexible Space, Troup Bywaters + Anders, Quantem and Overbury are proud sponsors of the BCO Midlands Awards.

Media partner: Estates Gazette.

BCO North media contact:

For more information please contact Paul King, PR director at Barques on 0121 230 2080.

The North’s most outstanding workplaces have been named, with BCO Awards presented to six landmark office buildings across the region. On Wednesday 6 May 2026 at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower, the BCO’s annual Northern Awards recognised projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.

Adam Tillis, chair of the BCO Northern Awards 2026 judging panel and operations director at Dragonfly Contracts, said: “What struck the judging panel most this year was the outstanding quality of the projects and the rigorous consistency of thinking underpinning them. This year’s categories were exceptionally competitive, particularly among the Fit Out and Refurbished/Recycled projects. The sheer volume of submissions, coupled with a consistently high standard of excellence across the board, made the selection process more difficult than ever.

“There is a definitive, positive shift occurring within our industry. Sustainability is no longer a ‘tick-box’ exercise but a core driver of commercial success, while ‘retrofit first’ creativity is now leading the way in building reuse. With people at the heart of every design, from neuroinclusive environments to wellbeing focused hubs, the office has officially evolved into a destination where people genuinely want to spend time.”

No.1 St Michael’s, the Manchester development brought forward by Gary Neville’s Relentless, picked up two awards at the ceremony – Commercial Workplace and ESG.

Judges said the building, which is fully electric, has a BREEAM Outstanding rating and NABERS 5* design certification, had been a catalyst for regeneration in Manchester.

“By activating a long-underused site with vibrant public squares and destination F&B, No.1 St Michael’s has created a new cultural and business quarter that truly “lifts the spirits” of the city.”

Capital + Centric’s refurbishment of a 1960’s former civic centre in Wigan into 33,000 sq ft of aspirational workspace also captivated judges this year, who described the work as a masterclass in the “replicable power of conservation-led retrofit”.

The judges said: “Ultimately, Civic stands as a symbol of optimism for Wigan, proving that intelligent commercial design can catalyse economic renewal, secure a sustainable future, and truly “lift a town’s spirits” without erasing its history. It is a gold standard for the adaptive reuse of 20th-century landmarks”’

The BCO Regional Award winners in each category for the North were:

• Projects up to 2,500 sqm: Chancery Place, Manchester
• Refurbished/Recycled Workplace: Civic, Wigan
• Fit out of Workplace: DLA Piper, Leeds
• Corporate Workplace: Lloyds Banking Group, Trinity Road, Halifax
• Commercial Workplace: 1 St Michael’s, Manchester
• ESG: 1 St Michael’s, Manchester
• Innovation: Renold Building, Manchester

Highly Commended workplaces were:

• 12 Wellington Place (JLL), Leeds (Projects up to 2,500 sqm)
• Renold Building, Manchester (Refurbished/Recycled Workplace)
• Lloyds Banking Group, Trinity Road, Halifax (Refurbished/Recycled Workplace)
• Hill Dickinson, No.1 St Michael’s, Manchester (Fit out of Workplace)

Alex Stork, chair of the BCO Northern committee, said: “These workspaces represent the very best of contemporary office design, demonstrating how innovation in wellbeing, sustainability and community engagement can combine to create high‑quality commercial environments and employee satisfaction.

“The North continues to deliver an outstanding breadth of office development, underpinned by strong collaboration between forward‑thinking businesses, local authorities, and highly skilled design and construction teams.”

Samantha McClary, BCO chief executive, added: “As we continue the BCO’s journey across the UK celebrating best-in-class offices, when it comes to excellence, the UK has it in spades. What is clear from all the winners so far – and especially in the North – is a commitment to delivering workspaces that don’t just deliver for the companies that occupy them, but that cater to the human beings that use them and that positively add to the communities in which they sit.”

The Northern region winners will now compete for the BCO National Awards on Tuesday 6 October 2026. More details will be announced soon.

The BCO Awards are supported by Gold sponsors, AET Flexible Space, and Troup, Bywaters + Anders. Estates Gazette is media partner.

The winners:

Projects up to 2,500 sqm

Overbury’s Manchester office at Chancery Place was hailed by the judges a standout example of how a compact 634m² floorplate can be transformed into a high-functioning, client-facing workplace.

They were particularly impressed by the “retrofit-first” strategy, which achieved a value-driven Cat B fit out, while retaining major base build infrastructure and over 60% of existing furniture. The design’s strength lies in its zoning, which successfully balances high energy collaboration areas with restorative spaces like the “quiet library,” wellness suite, and a parent/prayer room with wudu wash.

Judges noted: “Sustainability is deeply integrated rather than performative, evidenced by SKA accreditation, the use of UK sourced materials, and a commitment to future disassembly. Ultimately, the project’s success is validated by its users; with an 88% post occupancy satisfaction rate confirms that this is a workplace where people truly want to succeed. It serves as a powerful working showroom that perfectly embodies the professional standards of its occupants.”

Refurbished/Recycled Workplace of the Year

Judges were captivated by Capital+Centric’s Civic development in Wigan, describing it as a masterclass in the “replicable power of conservation led retrofit.”

By transforming a neglected 1960s Brutalist civic centre into 33,000 sq ft of aspirational workspace, they noted how the project successfully fills a major void in the town centre while celebrating its architectural heritage. 

The project’s environmental credentials are exemplary, achieving both BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Beyond technical performance, Civic acts as a vital “interface between commercial and civic life.” The inclusion of a public facing café, gym, mini cinema, and roof terrace coupled with enhanced green space reconnects the site to the community.

The judges said: “Ultimately, Civic stands as a symbol of optimism for Wigan, proving that intelligent commercial design can catalyse economic renewal, secure a sustainable future, and truly “lift a town’s spirits” without erasing its history. It is a gold standard for the adaptive reuse of 20th-century landmarks”’

Fit Out of Workplace

Judges were highly impressed by DLA Piper’s new Leeds headquarters at City Square House, describing it as a “physical manifesto” of the firm’s values.

By merging two offices into an 83,000 sq ft workspace, this project sets new standards for law firm design. Judges noted features such as link staircases, higher ceilings, and added bike and shower facilities developed from DLA Piper’s requirements. The “One Vision, One Space” approach creates a transparent, collaborative workplace, with spaces like the Client Suite and rooftop terrace easily shifting from business to events with city views.

The design incorporates inclusivity and neurodiversity through colour-blocked wayfinding, quiet tech-free zones, and varied sensory areas. Sustainability is addressed by using recycled suit fibres and British wool, reflecting Leeds’ heritage and achieving BREEAM Excellent certification.

Judges said: “Ultimately, the project sets a new benchmark for the sector. By balancing operational excellence with an authentic sense of place, DLA Piper has created an exceptional environment that truly “lifts the spirits” and fosters a genuine sense of pride for its people.”

Corporate Workplace

Lloyds Banking Group’s Trinity Road offices in Halifax received the Corporate Workplace award for its landmark achievement in heritage led transformation, proving that a Grade II listed, 1970s concrete frame structure can be reimagined as a high-performance, future-ready campus.

The judges were particularly impressed by the sensitive restoration of its iconic façade and the conservation of original timber paneling alongside major technical upgrades.

A “retrofit-first” strategy earned an EPC A rating by using fully recycled metal and glass for curtain walling and improving thermal stability. Replacing gas boilers with ground source heat pumps powered by renewable electricity cuts 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Judges said: “This modernisation supports 3,500 hybrid workers through inclusive, neurodiversity friendly zones, varied collaboration settings, and premium wellbeing facilities. With 66% furniture reuse and a £20m social return on investment, Trinity Road serves as a “gold standard” for sustainable, civic-minded corporate workplaces.”

Commercial Workplace and ESG

No.1 St Michael’s earned the double at the BCO Northern Awards, winning both Commercial Workplace and the ESG awards.

The judges were particularly impressed by its status as the first office building in Manchester to achieve full pre-let status prior to completion in over 15 years, praising the remarkable feat in a challenging post pandemic market.

The building is fully electric, with a BREEAM “Outstanding” rating, NABERS 5* Design Certification, and a “fabric first” strategy that achieved an upfront carbon intensity of 578 kgCO2e/m². The design combines the historic Portland stone façade with a modern structure featuring honeycomb glazing and biophilic terraces.

Judges said: “Socially, the development has been a catalyst for regeneration, generating more than £27m in local economic and social value. By activating a long-underused site with vibrant public squares and destination F&B, No.1 St Michael’s has created a new cultural and business quarter that truly “lifts the spirits” of the city.”

Innovation

Judges described the reinvention of Manchester’s historic Renold Building as a masterclass in the circular economy and a “bold awakening” for a 1960s university landmark.

By transforming this Brutalist icon into a dynamic, multi-tenant innovation hub, the project demonstrates how neglected educational infrastructure can be repurposed to drive Manchester’s modern Sister innovation district.

The panel praised the project’s strong focus on sustainability, highlighted by a 71% reduction in embodied carbon through refurbishment, creative reuse of salvaged furniture, and recycled materials. Its “fabric-first” strategy and targeted MEP upgrades preserve architectural character while meeting modern standards.

The Renold Building is also an active community hub, featuring public amenities like a gallery with Victor Pasmore’s mural, a plant nursery, and a community kitchen. With £1.84 million in verified social value and neurodivergent-friendly, adaptable spaces, judges recognised it as a resilient, inclusive model for sustainable urban renewal.

Thanks to sponsors: AET Flexible Space and Troup Bywaters + Anders 

Media partners: Estates Gazette 

BCO North media contact:

Inform Communications

aaron.eastwood@informcomms.co.uk

T: 07791653149

3 Sheldon Square © Jack Hobhouse

Ben Myers, Associate Director + Studio Lead, BSc (Hons) DipArch ARB RIBA AaPS

A whole generation of office buildings, from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, is approaching a critical moment. Many are now entering refurbishment cycles where the default response is “deep retrofit”, often resulting in the wholesale replacement of façades that remain technically serviceable.

Their challenge is not obsolescence, but taste.

Architectural value is cyclical, and this helps to explain the response. Buildings move from contemporary, to dated, to rediscovered. Victorian warehouses were once liabilities; postmodernism was dismissed before being revived. Early 2000s high-tech commercial architecture now sits in its most vulnerable phase, technically ageing but not yet culturally revalued.

For buildings of this type, the default response is replacement. Replace the façade and everything else follows. Capital cost increases, additional floors are introduced to recover value, material use expands, and carbon rises.

The partial retrofit paradox

This is the partial retrofit paradox: retaining the frame while eroding carbon savings everywhere else. More material, more cost, more carbon.

The driver is often aesthetic rather than technical. Curtain wall systems from this era were not naive. Double glazing, considered U-values and solar control characteristics were standard. By today’s benchmarks they are imperfect, but often capable of meeting a performance sufficiency threshold with targeted upgrades.

Industry tends to design to optimisation, but sustainable retrofit should ask a different question: can we work with it? The question is whether replacement is necessary. Does a 25-year-old façade need to be replaced to reposition an asset?

British Land’s 3 Sheldon Square is typical of this building type. The brief was familiar: strip the building, replace the services, improve performance, reposition the asset.

The approach was to add rather than replace. External balconies introduce amenity space and solar shading. Planting adds a biophilic layer. Interventions reinterpret the existing façade rather than removing it, establishing a new identity through contrast.

Making the commercial and carbon case

The outcomes are measurable. LETI targets for 2030 sit at 350 kgCO₂/m². Many high-performing new-build schemes remain above 500 kgCO₂/m². Partial retrofit schemes involving façade replacement and extension typically fall between 250 and 400 kgCO₂/m². 3 Sheldon Square was delivered at 125 kgCO₂/m².

There is also a clear commercial case. The scheme avoided wholesale replacement and concentrated investment on high-impact elements. The all-electric, BREEAM Outstanding building was delivered with a minimum 15-year life extension at approximately £160 per sq ft GIA, well below the typical cost of re-skinning and extension.

Concerns about market acceptance did not materialise. During construction, heads of terms were agreed with a blue-chip occupier for 83,000 sq ft at competitive rents.

The default response is often wholesale transformation. It does not need to be. There is a large cohort of assets in a similar position. These conditions can be seen at Canary Wharf, where the first generation of early towers is now entering its refurbishment cycle. The same decisions are being made at scale, and the cumulative impact will be significant.

The decisions taken over the next five to 10 years will determine whether retrofit delivers meaningful carbon reduction, or represents a significant missed opportunity at the point when it matters most. If retrofit is to realise its potential, the threshold for replacement has to be higher. The outcome should not be determined by what we can build, but by what we choose to replace.

What is sometimes described as “radical retention” is, in practice, often just a more rigorous application of judgment. British Land’s 3 Sheldon Square demonstrates that this approach is viable. We are not short of buildings. We are short of restraint.

Ben Myers is an associate director and studio lead at Morris+Company and a BCO member.

Gillian Stewart, director, Michael Laird Architects

Across the UK office market, occupiers are consolidating into fewer buildings, but they are also becoming more selective. They are no longer paying for space alone but investing in environments that help them attract staff back, retain talent, embed culture and simply work better day to day.

In this context, the traditional leasing metrics we rely on (rent, square footage and yield) only tell part of the story. For years, the industry has framed demand as a “flight to quality”. But quality, at least as we have traditionally defined it, is no longer enough. What matters is more than just how a building looks, or how it performs on day one, but how it feels to use and how it supports the people inside it over time.

The new challenge is this: experience is now clearly driving value, but how do we define it properly, evidence it convincingly and price it with confidence?

From aspiration to reality

As an architect and interior designer with more than 40 years’ experience in workplace design, and as a judge for the BCO’s Customer Experience Award, I see this gap play out again and again. Many buildings have an impressive vision for occupier experience at planning stage and on completion. But few deliver that experience consistently once people are actually using the space.

Judging is illuminating precisely because it exposes the difference between promise and reality. Some submissions are extremely compelling on paper, with detailed strategies, polished narratives and strong headline metrics. But once you visit the building, meet the team responsible for running it and speak directly to occupiers, the picture often shifts.

The projects that stand out are those where the design intent genuinely carries all the way through into everyday use. They are operationally dependable, adaptable and managed by people who understand their occupiers and have real relationships with them. The schemes that fall short often do so at the point where responsibility moves from development into operation. That handover moment is where experience is most easily diluted.

Customer experience is far more than a decorative layer added at the end of the process. It is, and should be treated as, a material component of asset performance.

Experience as asset performance

Buildings that deliver a consistently strong occupier experience increasingly achieve higher retention rates and more predictable incomes. In last year’s BCO judging, the most convincing entries were able to evidence how long tenants stayed, how relationships were managed as businesses expanded or contracted, and how flexibility helped maintain loyalty over time.

Retention at this level comes from regular dialogue, responsiveness and a willingness to adapt space and services as occupier needs evolve. Where landlords genuinely understand their customers, they can often retain them within the same building or estate, even as their requirements change.

Yet many of the experience drivers that underpin this loyalty are still underestimated. Intuitive wayfinding, ease of arrival, shared amenity, a sense of welcome and the quality of on‑site management teams rarely feature prominently in investment appraisals. They are, however, precisely what occupiers talk about most, and what they notice immediately when missing.

One common mistake is assuming that great experience looks the same everywhere. A high‑rise tower with expansive views sets very different expectations from a series of lower‑rise buildings arranged around a courtyard. Smaller floorplates can foster a stronger sense of community; larger assets may naturally lend themselves to more formal landlord‑tenant relationships. Location, building typology and local culture all play a significant role in shaping what “good” looks like in practice.

This is why experience cannot be reduced to a checklist of amenities. A gym or café is not, in itself, an indicator of success. What counts is whether provision is relevant, well-managed and genuinely used.

A shared language for experience

Without common points of reference, landlords struggle to justify investment, occupiers find it harder to compare options and designers are often briefed on features rather than outcomes.

The value of benchmarking customer experience lies in the creation of shared  knowledge. The combination of hard data on retention, response times and utilisation with first‑hand testimony and what you can actually observe on site is critical to establishing a recognised way to evaluate experience. Desktop metrics matter, but they are never enough on their own. Experience has to be felt as well as described.

The flight to experience reflects a structural shift in how offices are used, valued and judged. For an industry that excels at measuring the tangible, the next priority is learning how to better understand and capture what people actually feel when they walk through the door.

That means investing with confidence, learning from others, and recognising that some of the most powerful drivers of asset performance are human, relational and operational.

Gillian Stewart is a director at Michael Laird Architects and judge for the BCO Customer Experience Award.