Our ‘City Fringe in Focus’ seminar brought together industry leaders and policy makers to examine the forces driving change in one of London’s most dynamic commercial districts. The seminar explored investment trends, the development pipeline and the clustering of tech and creative businesses that are shaping the City Fringe into a hub of growth and innovation.
Hosted at The Waterman – a recently completed development by BGO on behalf of Welput and designed by Fathom Architects – the event marked our first-ever hybrid CPA seminar, drawing a strong in-person turnout despite travel disruption. The morning began with a market update from CBRE, setting the scene with data on office rents, sector take-up and pipeline activity, and how the City Fringe is consolidating its role as one of London’s leading office sub-markets.
This was followed by a panel session exploring the key themes driving the success of the City Fringe: Farringdon’s shift into a “core” market, the Elizabeth line’s impact to occupier demand, the increasing role of flexible leasing and on-site amenities, and the need for partnerships to ensure good growth benefits local communities.
Guests rounded off the event with a tour of The Waterman, including the opportunity to take in views from its terrace.
Our speakers included:
- Stephen Biggs, Corporate Director Community Wealth Building, London Borough of Islington
- Piers Blewitt, CPA Board & Director of Development Management, GPE
- Nikki Dibley, CPA Vice-Chair & Senior Development Executive, Helical
- Ruth Duston OBE, Board member, Central District Alliance BID and Chief Executive, Primera
- Tom Meijer, Senior Director, CBRE
- Alexander Morris, Managing Director, BGO (Panel Chair)
