Spec Finish

News www.thefis.org 7 The need to create new office space which helps firms limit rising energy costs and also appeals to employees who are increasingly inclined to work from home is helping to sustain new office construction activity, particularly in London. The growth in new refurbishment and fit-out projects as firms adapt their space to hybrid working has been a significant driver of new office projects in the Capital. Recent Glenigan data shows that the value of underlying (under £100 million in value) new office project approvals in London is on course to exceed £1,700 million in 2022, up from just over £1,400 million last year. The upturn in office construction in the Capital has also been a key factor behind the increase in overall activity in the sector.The latest Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast 2023-24predicts that the total value of office startswill rise by 4%this year and a further 5% in 2023. Glenigan data highlights some of the large office fit-out projects getting underway in the City of London which are helping keep contractors in the sector busy. For example, an office fit-out at 280 Bishopsgate for law firm Baker McKenzie, where work got underway in August, is costed at £39 million. Mace Interiors is the fit-out contractor on the project where work is set to run until late next year (Project ID: 22318939). As well as more refurb activity, there are signs some major new developments could be on the horizon in the Capital. Major publicly listed property companies have recently been selling existing buildings they own in the City and are planning to re-invest the proceeds in new energy-efficient office buildings where they see strong demand. To read more visit www.glenigan.com/market_analysis/ construction-industry-forecast London NextGen Perspective report 2022 The London NextGen Perspective research, commissioned by London Property Alliance’s NextGen Committees (CPA NextGen 1 andWPA NextGen 2 ) explores five themes that are shaping the future of work and life for the next generation of knowledge sector workers. The survey used a combination of qualitative and quantitative data gathered frompeople under 35 years old who work across different industries and are based in London. Through a detailed survey which was followed up by a number of focus groups that brought people together from various sectors, we have been able to ask questions about their lifestyle choices, expectations of work, and underlyingmotivations. The findings in the report are based on responses and insights from a diverse and representative group of approximately 2,000 people across multiple industries and demographics. Purpose, flexibility, culture, aspirations and wellbeing are some of the key priorities for the next generation of workers. Find out more about the survey results and what they mean for the real estate sector by visiting www.londonpropertyalliance.com/wp-content/ uploads/London-NextGen-Perspectives-report-2022.pdf Our intention is that this project will enhance the built environment sector’s understanding of the changing needs and motivations of workers across London and help to shape a vision for the strategies of investors, developers, advisors, designers, transport experts and public sector organisations to ensure a thriving London that meets people’s needs generations into the future. Alex Beale (CPA NextGen Chair 2021–22) Source 1. www.citypropertyassociation.com/next-gen 2. www.westminsterpropertyassociation.com/next-gen A new collaborative forum, the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG), has been launched to drive culture change through the design and construction process to improve fire safety in buildings. The Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) brings together Tier 1 contractors, specialist installers and relevant trade associations to promote passive fire protection guidance and so improve the delivery of well designed, specified and installed passive fire protection. Tier 1 contractors comprise the largest stakeholder group and have the influence to drive forward the necessary culture change. Commenting Will Pitt (Laing O’Rourke) of the Passive Fire Knowledge Group said: “Tier 1 contractors are fundamental to managing the transition from design into the finished building and as such need to understand the procedures, systems and products involved. It is important that passive fire protection is adequately considered at planning and early design stages to ensure buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with relevant regulations. The PFKG aims to resolve the complex passive fire protection design challenges to ensure the construction industry delivers safe buildings”. Joe Cilia, FIS Technical Director and joint Chair added: “Trade Associations such as FIS and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) are able to bring specialist knowledge from within their technical teams and their wider membership through a collaborative approach to support this group meet its aims”. The PFKGwill initially focus on education, process and testing issues related to the design and specification of passive fire protection for compartmentation, with initial focus on service penetration sealing and compatibility with fire resisting partitions (firewalls). Other issues the forum will consider include: the appropriate application of fire test data to real life installations, inspection and recording of installed works during construction, and the education requirements of those designing, procuring and installing passive fire protection. www.pfkg.org Newgreen space for hybridworkers gives office construction a lift New forum brings clarity to fire safety in buildings