AT chats to… Alexandra Thorpe from CO–RE about the changing demands from building occupants and the importance of letting cyclists come in through the front door.
120 Fleet Street by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The project, which includes the renovated Art Deco Daily Express Building, will provide retail, cultural and commercial accommodation in the City of London. Its tiered form allows for the creation of south facing terraces affording panoramic views across London.
What’s your role?
As a development manager, I’m the pin that holds the team together to ensure that we’re producing a product that perfectly achieves the brief and the client’s objectives. I sit between the client and the design team and am involved in the whole process from client acquisition through to seeing the building occupied and being successful. CO-RE are development managers with in house project management. It’s a really exciting mix because you learn so much about the projects. They’re all in central London and they’re all really high quality.
What was your route to the job?
I started in construction, so I understood the construction element of the job, then I moved into the development side and started to learn about the wider cycle: acquisition, planning leasing, the overall life of the asset.
What’s the balance between newbuild and refurb/retrofit?
Traditionally we’ve done new build, but times are changing. I’m hoping the world doesn’t turn to retrofit at the expense of everything else because I think it ought to be a decision that’s made on a case-by-case basis. Certain buildings have great bones, and we can do a lot with them. And of course we look to recycle any material that has to be demolished or removed.
Are you seeing evidence that occupiers are prepared to pay a green premium?
I think occupiers want to occupy the very best buildings with the very highest environmental credentials. They are keenly aware of the importance of attracting the very best talent. People like to work for a brand that reflects their values, and if that brand is very environmentally conscious you want that to be evident as you walk through the door. Companies are also very keen on well-being. Plants are important but also air quality, natural ventilation and measures that promote green travel. They want the nicest and best bike storage and showers and changing facilities. Gone are the days when you had to sneak in the back door and hide your bicycle by the bins. Now the cycle entrance is the front door, because your visitors are turning up on their bikes too. People want terraces and outdoor space. Having somewhere you can just step outside during the day is really important. It’s not about sitting at your desk from 9-5 any more. All of our buildings have a work area, a social area, a learning area. If you make a place where people feel comfortable then you’ve developed a community. And why wouldn’t you want to spend a day in the office if it offers you all of that?
What do you get out of attending BCO Conference?
BCO for me is a great opportunity to meet new people. It is probably one of the best networking events. It’s great to visit different cities. Until you step out of your day-to-day bubble you never know what ideas will emerge.
Alexandra Thorpe is Senior Development Manager at CO—RE
