Reviving the City: How Office Fit Out Companies Can Breathe New Life into London's Evolving Workspace

Not so long ago, a report called ‘Future of Office Use’, commissioned by the City of London Corporation, highlighted a shifting employment landscape and changing demands for office space in London. It drew attention to the need for strategic interventions to address the challenge of "stranded assets" – the growing number of lower-quality offices that risk becoming obsolete.

For an office fit-out company like Prestige Interiors, which is dedicated to turning the drab into fab when it comes to office interior design, this carries particular weight. It shines a light on the type of demand an office fit-out company in London is likely to encounter in the coming years, what this demand will look like, and from where this demand will come.

The Changing Face of the Square Mile

The report paints a compelling picture of the City's evolving employment mix, with a decline in traditional finance jobs and a rise in emerging sectors such as information, communication, and professional services. This shift is accompanied by a growing preference for "best of class" office space, leaving many older, lower-quality buildings at risk of becoming underutilised.

The Opportunity for Office Fit-Out Companies

In this dynamic environment, office fit-out companies in London have a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in revitalising the City's office landscape. By leveraging their expertise in design, construction, and project management, such companies can help breathe new life into the City's ageing office stock.

Here’s how:

Strategies for Office Fit-Out Companies in Light of the ‘Future of Office Use’ report. 

1. Embrace Adaptive Reuse

The report's recommendation to relax planning requirements and encourage alternative uses for underperforming office buildings presents a significant opportunity for office fit-out companies, like Prestige Interiors. By working closely with property owners and developers, these companies can explore innovative ways to repurpose and revitalise older office spaces, transforming them into modern, flexible workspaces that cater to the needs of emerging sectors.

1. Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency

As the City grapples with new energy efficiency standards, office fit-out companies can position themselves as leaders in sustainable office design and retrofitting. By incorporating energy-efficient technologies, optimising space utilisation, and enhancing the overall environmental performance of older buildings, these companies can help property owners future-proof their assets and meet the evolving demands of tenants.

1. Prioritise Tenant Experience

The report highlights the growing importance of the "employee experience" in the selection of office space. Office fit-out companies can leverage their design expertise to create workspaces that foster collaboration, productivity, and a sense of community – features that are increasingly sought after by professional services firms and emerging sector companies.

1. Collaborate with Stakeholders

To navigate the complex landscape of the City's office market, office fit-out companies should actively engage with key stakeholders, including property owners, developers, and local authorities. By collaborating on strategic initiatives and sharing insights, these companies can help shape the future of the City's workspace and contribute to the overall revitalisation of the Square Mile.

Transformation and Opportunity

As the City of London faces a transformative shift in its employment mix and office space demands, the role of office fit-out companies has become increasingly vital. By embracing adaptive reuse, prioritising sustainability and efficiency, enhancing the tenant experience and collaborating with stakeholders, companies like Prestige Interiors can play a pivotal role in reviving the City's ageing office stock and positioning it for long-term success.

Are you a business owner, landlord or facilities manager in London? Want to know more about avoiding the ‘stranded asset’ trend? Drop us a line to find out more about office fit out in London and the part Prestige Interiors can play in keeping your office space desirable.