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British Land has undertaken the restoration of heritage buildings at the Norton Folgate scheme in the City of London. The development consists of a collection of buildings spanning different periods and architectural styles, totaling 335,000 sq ft of predominantly office space. The project faced opposition from residents and conservation groups, resulting in a drawn-out planning battle. However, British Land ultimately secured the sites and created a blend of carefully restored Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian buildings alongside more contemporary additions. The development has attracted tenants, with over 55% of the site already leased. [Extracted from the article]

The rapid growth of the life sciences sector in the UK is increasing the demand for specialized laboratory and manufacturing space. Some industrial and logistics developers and landlords have recognized their role in supporting this growth, offering versatile spaces that can be tailored to the needs of life sciences companies. Industrial spaces are particularly suitable for life sciences due to their flexibility and ability to accommodate various users and processes. These spaces also offer cost advantages compared to setting up in central business districts. However, developers need to seek expert advice to ensure that the buildings meet technical and regulatory requirements. Additionally, location and amenities are important considerations for life sciences companies, as they often require a business-park-type environment. Prologis UK has successfully built a speculative, bespoke facility for life sciences companies, achieving full occupancy at 1000 Discovery Drive in Cambridge. [Extracted from the article]

China, the world's second-largest economy, is also the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for 33% of global emissions in 2021. The country is experiencing climate change-related events such as storm surges and coastal flooding, which pose risks to its population and economy. To combat the impact of climate change, the Chinese government is promoting sustainable development, and companies are increasing their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. Three companies leading the charge towards carbon neutrality in China are Yili, a dairy company; POSCO China, a global steel company; and Jingdong Logistics, an eCommerce company. These companies are implementing various strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote low-carbon practices in their operations. [Extracted from the article]

Knight Frank's research highlights the importance of developing an asset sustainability strategy to meet the 2030 Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations in England and Wales. Currently, 70% of commercial property floorspace is rated below the required EPC 'B' rating, making it potentially unlettable. Sustainability pressures are already affecting the office market, creating an imbalance in supply and demand. Investors are advised to consider retrofitting strategies that incorporate future occupier requirements, such as green certifications and specific amenities. While retrofitting will need to double to meet the 2030 deadline, not all solutions require high capital expenditure or vacant possession of buildings. Understanding occupier demand for sustainable and amenity-rich buildings is crucial for future-proofing assets. The report also emphasizes the importance of amenities in attracting and retaining workers, with active travel facilities and mental health spaces being in high demand. The research suggests that supply currently meets demand only in the highest-certified buildings, presenting an opportunity for real estate firms to upgrade poor ESG-performing assets. However, amenity provision should align with certification strategies and the type of occupier targeted. Factors such as construction price inflation, floorplate efficiency, and timescales should also be considered in retrofitting projects. By delivering desirable buildings from an amenity perspective, landlords and investors can ensure the buildings are more lettable and help occupiers meet talent retention and ESG requirements. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the various approaches employers are taking in response to the work-from-home debate. Some companies, like Nicola Wealth Real Estate, are developing "turnkey" offices that provide a residential feel and take care of the design and furnishing process for fledgling companies. Other employers are embracing the idea of remote work, allowing employees to work from wherever they choose. On the other hand, some big companies and the federal government are demanding physical presence in the office. There is no clear trend in the office-space world, with employers trying different strategies to ensure in-person face time among employees. The article also mentions the emergence of suburban offices with attractive amenities and easy commuting options. The shift to the suburbs is becoming a pattern, as transit ridership in those areas has recovered to higher levels compared to downtown areas. Small businesses are more likely to favor in-person work and continue leasing the same amount of space. The article concludes by noting that the approach to remote work may change depending on the labor market and employee demand. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents a profile of office space provider IWG and its founder Mark Dixon. It mentions how Dixon has expanded the subletting of office buildings and space, how he has managed the company's finances during various crises, and his current plans for coping during the COVID-19 epidemic.

The article discusses the expanding role of developers in creating community hubs through redevelopments. The demographic shifts and new demands for real estate brought about by the pandemic have changed the built environment. Developers are now under pressure to create distinct urban experiences and redefine properties as community hubs. The article highlights two examples of successful adaptive reuse projects in Texas, M-K-T and Assembly Park, which have transformed outdated industrial infrastructure into vibrant mixed-use destinations. The article emphasizes the financial and environmental benefits of these projects and encourages developers to reconceptualize the built environment to meet the changing preferences of consumers and tenants. [Extracted from the article]

Northern Kentucky's riverfront is undergoing a significant construction boom, with several major projects totaling $5 billion. These projects include the construction of a new Brent Spence Bridge, a 25-acre multi-use development called Ovation, the redevelopment of the Central Covington Riverfront, and the construction of OneNKY Center. These projects are expected to bring economic growth and development to the region, with numerous construction companies involved in their completion. The Ovation project, in particular, is creating an urban community with residential units, office space, hotels, retail and entertainment space, and a private membership club. The Brent Spence Bridge project, which has received federal funding, aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve access to the Covington and Cincinnati business districts. The Central Covington Riverfront project is currently in the planning stages, with the goal of rebuilding the city street grid and offering the area for redevelopment in multiple parcels. The OneNKY Center project is a smaller but highly visible project that will house various growth organizations in Northern Kentucky. Overall, these projects are expected to have a transformative impact on the region's infrastructure, economy, and quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

As UK businesses adapt to post-Covid realities, workspace providers are turning to Asian culture for inspiration on maximizing the use of space. Developers are focusing on creating high-quality workspaces with add-on amenities such as onsite catering, gyms, and wellness centers. Collaboration spaces and phone booths are also important, with the latter being compared to high-tech Japanese sleeping pods. Location is becoming increasingly significant, with occupiers and end-users prioritizing prime locations that offer the best commute and amenities. The office trend is not only looking east but also south of the river in London. [Extracted from the article]

Chris Potts, head of Savills' Cardiff office, believes the Hollywood stars' ownership of Wrexham AFC has helped to boost the country. During the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and his TV star co-owner Rob McElhenney took over non-league Welsh football team Wrexham AFC. If the Welsh government can continue to use its leverage, as well as its Hollywood friends, then Wales can expect to see greater waves of regeneration coming forward. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the potential benefits of the use of the enterprise metaverse (EM) in flexible work models to support the diverse physical, cultural and neurological needs of employees. It explains the nature of EM and its use by employees. It describes the role of EM in facilitating the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging missions of companies while improving employee collaboration, communication and productivity.

The article from Bloomberg.com discusses the diverging views of CLSA and Citi on Indian equities. CLSA is optimistic, citing India's resilience to potential tariffs and attractive valuations, while Citi is more cautious due to concerns about weaker earnings momentum. Despite foreign selloffs, local mutual funds have maintained high cash reserves, and retail investors continue to support Hindustan Aeronautics despite mixed earnings. The article also touches on the growing demand for office space leasing driven by finance companies and co-working businesses in India. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses how a lack of green-certified office spaces in Hong Kong is impacting the city's property sector, with only 40% of premium office spaces being green-certified compared to over 70% in other Asian financial centers. Developers in Hong Kong are hesitant to invest in costly building upgrades for sustainability, potentially risking the city's competitiveness. As companies prioritize sustainability, cities offering greener office spaces are gaining attention, leading to a potential talent and investment drain from Hong Kong. The government is considering regulatory changes to spur building upgrades and improve energy efficiency in response to rising temperatures and environmental concerns. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of flexibility in office spaces to adapt to evolving work patterns, with a focus on employee buy-in, turnkey solutions, and shorter leases. It also highlights the significance of effective marketing strategies in the property sector, emphasizing the need for a strategic brand function and showcasing examples of successful brands in the flex office market. Additionally, the article briefly mentions financial updates in the property market and recent construction trends in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

San Francisco-based office landlord, Spear Street Capital, has acquired a 5-story commercial property in SoHo, Manhattan for $52 million. The building, known as L'Atelier, was sold by investment firm KPG Funds and is currently occupied by various tenants, including Rumi Life and Cabin Editing Co. Spear Street Capital already owns two other properties in Manhattan and has a portfolio of over $11 billion in investments. The company has not yet disclosed its plans for the newly acquired property. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses about tourism, housing and lifestyle amenities in South Fulton County, Geogia. Topics discussed include a restaurant incubator being developed by Dominique Love, co-founder of Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, construction delays caused by supply chain challenges and assistance for those businesses that were affected by covid-19 pandemic.

The article offers information about the extraordinary cargo growth and transformation faced by the ports in the U.S. It mentions that port has seen percent increase in cargo activity marked by several months of a precipitous drop-off in 2020, followed by an incredible recovery of record-shattering volumes.

The Business Journal Serving Fresno & the Central San Joaquin Valley provides information on legal transactions, new businesses, and real estate leases in the region. The journal offers insights into recent Alcoholic Beverage Control licenses issued, commercial real estate leases, and construction permits. This resource aims to help businesses stay informed about the latest developments in the local business landscape. [Extracted from the article]

French skin care company Caudalie has purchased a retail property in SoHo for $9.7 million. The luxury brand, known for its natural ingredients from grapes and vines, is expanding its presence in the city with this acquisition. The property, located at 130 Greene St., has both commercial and residential space and was previously occupied by the clothing store Icon. Caudalie's revenue in 2022 was approximately $374 million. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the potential impact of generative AI (gen AI) on B2B sales. It highlights how emerging technologies, such as gen AI, can enhance productivity and growth in sales. The article explores three possible pathways for the evolution of B2B sales with gen AI, including improving sales efficiency, driving sales growth, and fundamentally reframing the sales operating model. It also emphasizes the need for companies to adapt and prepare for a gen-AI-enabled future of sales. The article provides examples and scenarios to illustrate how gen AI can assist sellers in various aspects of their work. [Extracted from the article]

Japanese retailer Uniqlo has purchased part of its U.S. flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City for $350 million from co-owner Vornado Realty Trust. By buying the 17,000 square feet of space it has been leasing since 2011, Uniqlo will save $27 million in annual rent. The retailer has also agreed to acquire an additional 75,000 square feet from a separate landlord, Brookfield. The sale has surprised investors, as the price paid by Uniqlo is significantly higher than recent purchases in the area. Vornado's stock price increased by 16% following the news. [Extracted from the article]

Singapore's Golden Mile Tower is being put up for sale for the third time in three years, this time with a reduced asking price of S$556 million ($420 million). The lower price reflects the challenges faced by Singapore's commercial property sector, with buyers seeking lower prices due to high interest rates and changing work patterns. The owners of Golden Mile Tower plan to redevelop the site into two towers with retail, office, and hotel spaces. The tender for the tower is expected to be launched later this month and close in October. [Extracted from the article]