We’re in the midst of change in the office and retail sectors and our first-hand experience is providing hope and optimism

We’re in the midst of change in the office and retail sectors and our first-hand experience is providing hope and optimism

It doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict that the office and retail and sectors are likely to look drastically different in a decade’s time. Forecasting their precise future form, however, would be mere guesswork given the huge transformation which is already underway in urban areas.

Indeed, from a practice perspective we are excited to be involved in a number of ventures that will see a significant shift in approach on the streets of the capital. One project in the West End could prompt a real change elsewhere in London and will see large retail units reinvented as literal shop windows for e-commerce.

From the office perspective, evidence of evolution is everywhere, as highlighted by the emergence and growing trend of the CAT A + model, which is taking on all shapes and sizes. It is becoming increasingly obvious that from a design and use perspective, pigeon holing property portfolios is no longer possible – a one-size-fits-all solution does not exist anymore, if it ever did.

Landlords are having to discover a new-found agility to satisfy their customers – the entrepreneurs and small business owners shaking up the sectors with their own evolving needs – and only time will tell if the CAT A + concept will endure and conquer our cities but we are confident that it might.

At the moment we are working on over 20 CAT A+ projects, ranging from 5,000 to 60,000 sq. ft. in London and across the UK.

Being part of this change has definitely filled our team with optimism and confidence in the future and being at the forefront of the ‘new norm’ is one of the most fascinating its been in many years.