ThisWeekinFM’s Post

How important is LEED Certification to the occupancy and FMV of your property? Recent studies conclude that LEED certification is a significant factor in filling post-pandemic commercial vacancies and boosting the fair market value of the properties. ARA (2023) study presented a strong argument that LEED certification is a critical characteristic regarding additive occupancy by adding 390 basis points worth of occupancy to a modern (built between 2000 and August 2021) Class A office building. Cushman and Wakefield (2023) outlined that LEED-certified Class A office buildings deliver increased value to investors in that LEED-certified buildings achieved higher average market sales prices than those not LEED-certified. Do you agree with this argument? #LEEDcertification #LEEDOccupany #LEEDFMV

P Grade Commercial Property: The New Home of Mercedes-Benz South Africa's Head Offices Located at 210 Amarand Avenue in the prestigious Menlyn Maine precinct in Pretoria, this P Grade Commercial Property stands as a beacon of modern architecture and sustainability. Boasting a 4-star Green Rating, the building exemplifies TriColour Investments' commitment to environmental responsibility and excellence in property development. About the Property: This state-of-the-art building, now the headquarters for Mercedes-Benz South Africa, offers a perfect blend of luxury and functionality. The property spans an impressive 11,531 square meters of Gross Lettable Area (GLA), ensuring ample space for its corporate operations and future growth. With a parking ratio of 5 basement bays per 100 square meters, it provides convenient parking solutions, essential for a busy corporate environment. Green Building Certification: The 4-star Green Rating is a testament to the building’s sustainable practices, environmentally friendly building materials used and low cost energy practices. This rating, awarded by the Green Building Council of South Africa, reflects the property’s efficient use of resources, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced indoor environmental quality. Prime Location: The Menlyn Maine Precinct is SA’s first green living precinct - a mixed-use node based on densification, energy efficiency, sustainability and green building principles. This prime location ensures that Mercedes-Benz South Africa's head office is well-positioned to leverage the benefits of a dynamic and bustling environment. #tricolourdevelopments

“Our approach at The Forum has been to give tenants the chance to create inspiring spaces that can be made bespoke to their requirements”🔨 Peter Langly-Smith, managing director at Reef Group, caught up with the team from Insider Media to discuss The Forum for the December edition of the South West Business Insider. The article discusses The Forum’s new smart offices, the focus on sustainability, and the importance of regeneration in the heart of Gloucester. To read the full article: https://shorturl.at/nKrur 📸credit - KIER Construction

City of London’s Tallest Tower Receives Approval The City of London Corporation’s Planning Applications Sub-Committee has approved plans for what will become the tallest tower in the City of London. Set to rise between the iconic #gherkin and the #leadenhall Building, the 74-storey (309.6m) office skyscraper, known as 1 Undershaft, will redefine the Square Mile’s skyline as the tallest structure in the City Cluster. Shravan Joshi MBE Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, described the project as “a truly remarkable building” that not only meets the demand for high-quality office space but also enhances the City’s cultural offerings and tourism appeal. #industrynews #london #constructionnews

Gleeds has been appointed to provide project and cost management services on a major new office development on High Holborn, London, which has now been officially submitted for planning approval. The team has been supporting Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd to deliver the site, which provides over 370,000 sq. ft. of office accommodation and terraces overlooking the capital. This exciting scheme will target BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’, and provide additional public realm through the development of a park and cultural spaces. We’re looking forward to continuing to play our part in bringing this fantastic scheme to fruition over the coming years. More info: https://lnkd.in/eRSh8TZi Make Architects, Savills, Gerald Eve #ProjectManagement #CostManagement #CommercialDevelopment #BREEAM

Achieving BREEAM: The Importance of including security in early stage planning. CornerStone GRG was appointed by our client, a Hong Kong based property developer, to provide a Security Needs Assessment (#SNA) for the #Grade A upgrade of a large 30-year-old, multi-tenanted office building in the heart of London. The project targeted #BREEAM Refurbishment and fit out standards with the aim to attract #premium tenants to a significantly improved space. As the building is located within a stone’s throw from one of #London's most iconic tourist sites, it was important to ensure the SNA was a critical element in the planning phase of this prime #realestate. Having consulted on many projects over the years, the importance of this SNA cannot be overlooked as the security landscape is evolving rapidly. It is now even more important to ensure that necessary precautions are taken before entering the #RIBA design work stages. https://lnkd.in/e5X2Jhsv #security #SecurityNeedsAssessment #RIBA #CommercialRealEstate #BREEAM #Refurbishment #Fitout

What are the world’s most expensive cities to build in? 🤔 The world’s most expensive cities to build in have been revealed, with London once again being named as the most expensive city in the world, according to the latest Arcadis 2024 International Construction Costs (ICC) report. London has narrowly overtaken Geneva to top the rankings once again, according to the study of comparative construction costs across 100 global cities > https://ow.ly/G8WY50RhbOA #Construction #Building #HealthAndSafety #Sustainability

Ramboll is delighted that the City of London’s Planning Committee has granted approval today for 99 Bishopsgate, a 54-storey office tower, with a focus on sustainability and occupier well-being. The redevelopment will offer over 1 million square feet of premium office space, alongside more than 60,000 square feet dedicated to public and cultural amenities, seamlessly integrated with its surroundings and significantly contributing to the local community. Since 2022 Ramboll has been working with Brookfield Properties to deliver designs for the mechanical, electrical and public health services, including the development of a building energy strategy, façade performance analysis, and SMART consultancy services. The scheme designed by RSHP, will include a lively City Market open seven days a week, new pedestrian pathways enhancing access between Liverpool Street Station and the City centre, and a 6-storey cultural building. With a strong commitment to sustainability, 99 Bishopsgate will be preserving the existing foundations accounting for nearly 50% of the building's mass, to minimise embodied carbon. Ample vertical gardens will promote employee well-being and support biodiversity. Commenting on the project, Ramboll building services director Graeme McCutcheon said: “Ramboll’s building services team is delighted to have contributed to the securing of planning consent for 99 Bishopsgate. We are proud to have worked alongside Brookfield Properties and RSHP on this journey and look forward to the development of the project, to deliver this ‘Best in Class’, net zero development.” #SustainableDevelopment #HighRise #Engineering #Innovation #Sustainability #LetsCloseTheGap

Urban development is undergoing a significant shift across Europe as developers focus on sustainable and modern designs that respect local heritage. This trend is turning under-utilised spaces into thriving, modern communities cities in Portugal and Poland. Mello RDC, a notable developer in Portugal and Poland, is making waves with its urban revitalization projects. In Portugal, they are transforming historical areas like Vila Ourique in Lisbon into modern living spaces tailored for younger generations, while also expanding the classic Vintage Lapa building into energy-efficient apartments. The focus on maintaining architectural integrity while integrating modern amenities reflects a broader trend toward sustainable urban development. The company’s commitment to sustainability is clear in all their projects, whether it’s residential renovations or new constructions with green spaces and energy-efficient designs. Projects like these are setting new standards in urban development, combining respect for history with a vision for the future. Source: Insights based on The Portugal News

Sweden is set to build an entire new city in just two years, a project typically taking five to seven years with traditional construction methods. In Adelaide, Australia, a Sporting Stadium Hotel was recently built in CLT in less than 12 months, a process that usually takes 2.5 to 3 years with custom construction methods at the iconic Adelaide Oval. The hotel has staggering occupancy rates of over 90%. https://lnkd.in/dXEDVqEw These examples highlight the inefficiency of traditional construction methods and the need for more innovative approaches. Scandinavian countries have been leading the way with renewable plantation forest trees and Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), reducing construction time by up to 75% compared to Australia's slow and inefficient methods. The need for more affordable housing in Australia is threatening the country's economic growth, and the situation is particularly dire in Metropolitan Sydney. The city is facing a significant exodus of professional talent and essential workers due to the need for more available affordable rental accommodation. The vacancy factors for affordable rental accommodation in Sydney are at an all-time low, exacerbating the problem. It's time for Australia to embrace more efficient and sustainable construction methods to provide affordable housing and retain its essential workers. #FastCLT #sustainability #Australia #housingcrisis