Steven Skinner gives his first interview since he was appointed UK CEO
Our UK CEO, Steven Skinner has given his first interview to Property Week since being appointed to the role in August 2018.
Steven spoke to the wonderful Emma Shone from Property Week in the beautiful surrounds of the roof garden at 33 Central – our London office.
The full interview focuses on the success of our cutting edge, sustainable developments in London. Steven told Emma about the importance of putting the occupier first by focusing on flexibility; of tenure, of occupier and type of office space. Steven said at 20 Farringdon Street, “…it is the first time a landlord in London has offered every type of office space under one roof…every traditional occupier in that building has taken space on the co-working floors.”
Steven also talked to Emma about our focus around designing buildings around clients’ needs – with a fully formed idea of how people will use the space, not simply telling occupiers what is available. Steven said, “We are trying to change that relationship so that both parties get what they want through genuine collaboration…breaking down a lot of barriers, inhibitions and mindsets”
Of our forthcoming projects, Bloom Clerkenwell is picked out by interviewer Emma Shone for its sustainable credentials – it will be one of the first new-build developments in Europe to pursue BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation, along with WELL Platinum and WiredScore Platinum. For us sustainability is always more than a tick box exercise.
Steven also touches on the significance of the redevelopment of Elizabeth House, Waterloo – a scheme which would see transformation of the public realm including new connections to Waterloo Station, a brand new pedestrianised retail street for Waterloo and providing occupiers with flexibility across the workspace.
The article goes onto say this deep attitude towards design, flexibility and sustainability comes from our European roots, and not taking the London market for granted. Steven says developers need to be far more advanced on the continent – and this deep understanding is the formula we are using in London with great success.
Steven loved doing the interview and thanks to Emma Shone at Property Week for her time!
