Photography by Bar Productions (C) 2024
Sophie O’Sullivan | Senior Researcher, Woven Spaces
With a focus on reimagining existing commercial buildings, we are committed to delivering premium spaces of character and distinction across London.
The forum provided a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions around the future of cities, investment, and sustainability. In his welcome address, Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman at City of London Corporation, highlighted London’s remarkable economic vitality from a commercial property perspective. The capital currently boasts an office vacancy rate of just 8% — significantly lower than our global counterparts such as New York, Singapore, and Frankfurt. Even more notable is the Grade A office vacancy rate, which stands at just 1%.
Sustainability was a core point of interest throughout the event. Data shared by Emma Hoskyn, Head of Sustainability
for EMEA Markets Advisory & UK at JLL, highlights how 35% of investors believe integrating ESG considerations into their investment strategies is likely to enhance performance. Embracing this long-term approach is essential for growth and yield stability.
Among the standout sessions was the Place Panel on Canada Water with British Land, which looked at the circular economy and large-scale regeneration. One compelling case study came from Charlie Scott, Board Director at Waterman Group, who shared the story behind the Paper Garden project in Canada Water, East London — a testament to the power of smart material reuse. Featuring repurposed timber from Epping Forest, salvaged windows, and stools made from cardboard, the project exemplifies how waste materials can be transformed into meaningful design elements.
“When you design a new building, it’s like selecting a recipe from a cookbook — you get the vision presented on the recipe card. In a circular economy, you draw on your creativity to make something remarkable from what you already have in the fridge.”
Scott quoted Joel De Mowbray of Yes Make
This analogy reflects a shift in how the built environment is being approached — from designing with a blank slate to creatively working within existing structures, materials, and context. Rather than relying on ‘fast-fashion’ solutions, spaces that prioritise trends over tenant experience, this innovative mindset encourages developers to embrace what already exists and unlock the full potential of an asset through thoughtful design and collaboration.
Woven Spaces shares this outlook, placing emphasis on reimagining the fabric of existing buildings — transforming what already exists into distinctive, commercially successful spaces rooted in place, purpose, and wellbeing.
As Adam Challis, UK Head of Research and Strategy, puts it: “Simplicity is out; complexity is in.” Across the industry, there’s a growing call to embrace more holistic thinking — not only environmentally, but also socially and experientially.
Woven Spaces is committed to this broader perspective, weaving together creative and commercial design strategies that respond to the evolving needs of future occupiers while staying true to the character of each site.
This joined-up approach — uniting expertise from craftsmen, engineers, and architects among many others — is transforming how spaces are imagined and built. It points toward a future where creativity, sustainability, and context are the defining pillars of best-in-class design across buildings in London.
“It’s going to require all of us to lean in and think in a much more holistic way and rounded way, to leverage the collective experience and expertise that exists.”
Adam Challis, JLL, UK Head of Research and Strategy
Photography by Bar Productions (C) 2024
“London is one of the most dynamic, desirable, diverse, fast-paced and forward-thinking cities on earth. There simply isn’t a better place to build your companies and portfolios.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London