Higginsongrey Ltd’s Post

Apartment Complex - East London

Plans for three-bedroom apartments perched over the bend of the Brisbane River are progressing through the approval stages toward construction expected to start later this year. #projectory #projectleads #majorprojects #brisbaneconstruction #residentialdevelopment #luxuryapartments #architecturaldesign #sustainableliving #urbanrenewal #constructiontenders #innercityliving #queenslandprojects #highriseresidential #propertyinvestment #urbanplanning #residentialtower #buildingapprovals #realestateprojects #constructionopportunities #industrynews

What a project……….

While the visuals are certainly eye catching and fully applaud the decision to retrofit and I love the proposed uses to repurpose the excess commercial space to create a destination. However its disappointing to see such a high profile scheme with little or no consideration of basic sustainable design. The external envelope has been massively increased in area and complexity meaning increased heat loss and challenging insulation interfaces. The relatively modest existing glazing has also been replaced with a fully glazed facade, which appears to have no passive shading? Would be interested to see what the estimated energy usage is likely to be? With a warming climate and increased energy costs this looks like an expensive white elephant. Shoving trees 100m up in the air doesn't make a scheme sustainable.

This transformation of the HSBC Tower, is likely to have several ramifications on the area: The redevelopment of this prominent building will attract further investment into Canary Wharf. It may signal to other investors that the area is evolving and provide opportunities for new developments. The proposed reimagining of the tower to include a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces will diversify the offerings in Canary Wharf, helping to attract a more varied demographic to the area and enhance its appeal. The addition of new frontage for shops and restaurants, a hotel, and serviced apartments will boost the local retail and hospitality sectors by creating new opportunities and increase footfall in the area. By dividing the building into 8 sections and creating new terraces, the redeveloped tower should offer improved leasing opportunities for businesses. This can attract new tenants and possibly lead to a more dynamic mix of businesses in Canary Wharf. This much needed transformation of 8 Canada Square is likely to bring about positive changes across the entirety of Canary Wharf, including increased investment, diversification of offerings, a boost to the retail and hospitality sectors, the development of cultural and recreational amenities, and improved leasing opportunities for businesses. #commercialrealestate #construction #London #development

If they manage to pull this off this will be the worlds largest office repurposing. It’s an impressive sounding development. Clearly there is still some work to do if they are quoting a range of £400M - £800M for project costs. A development such as this will bring more awareness to conversion and help drive this as an alternative to demolition for redundant offices. #conversion #officetoresidential #construction

🌟 Introducing London Square: A Prestigious New Launch in the Iconic London Borough of Richmond 🚀 🏠 TWICKENHAM GREEN 🏙️TWICKENHAM SQUARE We are thrilled to announce the new launch of London Square, an exquisite residential development located in one of London’s most sought-after and prestigious areas—the borough of Richmond! 🍃 💼 Why Richmond? Renowned for its stunning riverside views, picturesque parks, and vibrant local culture, Richmond offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. The area is known for its excellent schools, rich history, and exclusive amenities that attract residents who desire luxury and lifestyle in the heart of London. 🚉 Unrivaled Connectivity: For those who commute, London Square boasts excellent transportation links. With Richmond Station a short walk away, you’re connected to Central London, Heathrow Airport, and other key locations via train and tube, making it ideal for both work and travel. 🏡 About London Square: This new development stands as a testament to modern elegance combined with classic charm. Thoughtfully designed with spacious layouts, premium finishes, and state-of-the-art amenities, London Square offers a lifestyle that seamlessly integrates comfort, luxury, and convenience. Whether you’re a family, young professional, or discerning investor, these homes offer something truly unique in today’s competitive property market. #LuxuryLiving #LondonSquare #RichmondLiving #PropertyInvestment #RealEstate #LuxuryHomes #LondonRealEstate #UrbanLiving #PrimeLocation

First thought … wow! Second thought … would you really start a project with a range of potential cost of £400m - £800m? I think you can, however the positioning of this and what you need to get stakeholders focused on is: a) the big number and not the ‘rose tinted’ number b) the assumptions that are being made and what the consequences of them being flawed are c) what are the next steps to having greater certainty and confidence? What’s the duration of that? And of course what’s the cost of that? And getting those stakeholders to sign off on this no regrets spend because, after all, these next steps and gaining that greater confidence may also result in another type of “Wow!” … the really how long, the really how difficult, and the reallly how much!!

Whenever I see articles like this I'm reminded of the fact that in an 11 page research paper in July 2019 we called the 'end of commercial real estate' as well as calculating the timing of the technological development of AR headsets and the emergence of verical mixed use buildings. Some extracts from that piece are below. "In the next 10-15 years, commercial real estate may well be a shadow of its former self - especially with the demise of demand for office spaces..... It is foreseeable that by the mid 2020s near-life resolution will be achieved. The technology could then subsequently be scaled down to fit into a wearable device such as an AR headset.... [The Apple - Vision Pro was released early 2024, and the Sightful - Spacetop is coming out late 2024] Given the rate of progress it would seem feasible that this [transition of technology and commercial real estate] could be achieved in the early-mid 2020s.... In this future world, companies would save enormous amounts of money on office rent, insurance, and onboarding.... Meanwhile property development outside of cities would increase in number and prominence as more and more people move to suburbs and rural locations where they can still work just as easily, but can have more space, cost effective housing, better quality of life and, provided they have transportation, access to whatever centralised urban amenities still exist at that time.... ...[People will] drive past the facades of banks, insurers, estate agents and supermarkets, and past the towers built just decades earlier that were once the offices of global corporations but have been repurposed as live-work apartments. Apartments with really great views." Shout out to my former colleague Daniele Francesconi who kicked off that thought experiment years ago. 👏 And a couple of relevant links: https://lnkd.in/eAtPmdhU https://lnkd.in/eaES5Z3j  

Why Living by the Thames is More Than Just a View. London’s River Thames is not just a beautiful landmark—it’s at the heart of some of the city’s most desirable residential areas. Here’s why properties along the Thames are in such high demand this September: Unbeatable Views: Imagine waking up to a panoramic view of the river, from Canary Wharf’s skyline to Westminster’s historical architecture. Riverfront properties offer a unique blend of modern and iconic London. Prime Investment Opportunity: Riverside developments are seeing strong growth in areas like Greenwich Peninsula, London City Island, and Royal Wharf. These locations offer a balance of urban living with peaceful water views—a winning combination for both buyers and investors. Lifestyle Appeal: Living by the Thames means access to scenic walks, riverside dining, and cultural landmarks like the Tower of London, O2 Arena, and the Tate Modern—all within reach of your doorstep. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil riverside retreat or a dynamic investment in the heart of London, our team at Johns&Co can guide you to the perfect property. #LondonPropertyMarket #ThamesProperties #JohnsandCo