What was The Buzz in June?
Our monthly roundup of real estate industry news.
Here are a few of the stories that caught our attention in June. From new flexible workspaces, hotel and private members club launches, to future-proofing plans by the Mayor of London and Amazon, it’s all systems go in the commercial real estate industry.
Amazon unveils plans to build four new fulfilment centres as part of £40bn UK investment programme
Amazon today announces plans to invest £40 billion in the UK over the next three years (2025-2027). This investment includes building four new fulfilment centres and new delivery stations nationwide, as well as upgrades and expansions to its existing network of over 100 operations buildings across the country.
The investment will create thousands of new permanent, full-time jobs in the UK, with the vast majority outside of London and the South East. These include 2,000 jobs at the previously announced state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Hull and 2,000 jobs at another in Northampton, plus additional positions at new sites in the East Midlands and at delivery stations across the country.
Alongside the planned creation of the new operations facilities, the £40 billion investment includes: opening two new buildings at Amazon’s corporate HQ in East London.
Amazon CEO, Andy Jassy, said:”Amazon has been proud to serve our customers in the UK for the past 27 years. Thanks to their support, we’ve grown to be part of over 100 communities nationwide, from developing drone technology in Darlington to producing world-class entertainment at our studios in Bray.
“We now employ over 75,000 people and have become one of the UK’s largest private sector employers and taxpayers. When Amazon invests, it’s not only in London and the South East – we’re bringing innovation and job creation to communities throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, strengthening the UK’s economy and delivering better experiences for customers wherever they live.”
Selfridges secures approval for exclusive members club on Oxford Street
Luxury retailer Selfridges is preparing to enter the private members club market. Westminster Council has granted the department store group permission to transform part of its Oxford Street flagship into an exclusive space for select clientele, fusing retail tradition with modern demands for ‘experiential’ shopping.
The approved plans, passed unanimously at a Westminster Council meeting this week, will see the store’s fourth-floor staff areas repurposed into a by-invitation-only club and dining terrace. A caveat was included: no music, live or amplified, will be permitted on the outdoor space. But the message from officials was clear. “I think the message tonight is that Westminster loves Selfridges,” said Councillor Patrick Lilley, who chaired the session, as was reported by City AM.
From a fashion critic’s point of view, this pivot is as much about cultural currency as commercial survival. In the face of stiff digital competition, Selfridges is betting on bricks and mortar with velvet-rope appeal. “This proposal will allow Selfridges to thrive and succeed along the world-renowned shopping destination that is Oxford Street,” Guy Bransby, a partner at Montagu Evans and representative for the retailer told City AM. The aim, he noted, is not simply exclusivity for its own sake, but a “complement” to the store’s main retail function—offering “new shopping experiences” that digital channels can’t replicate.
Overwhelming support from Londoners and businesses for Mayor’s bold plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced he will move ahead with bold plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street and revitalise the area following overwhelming public and business support for his proposals. Oxford Street is an area of critical national economic importance, with an estimated annual contribution of £25bn to London’s economy – but it has suffered over many years for a variety of reasons, from the pandemic to the growth of online shopping and retail parks.
In February 2025, the Mayor set out proposals to breathe new life into Oxford Street – including pedestrianisation of the main shopping thoroughfare – to improve visitor experience and better enable new leisure offers, such as al fresco dining and outdoor events. Following extensive public consultation, attracting 6642 responses, a new report published today shows Londoners and businesses overwhelmingly back the Mayor’s ideas.
Almost seven in 10 expressed support for the Mayor’s proposed interventions to regenerate Oxford Street, while two-thirds are supportive of the pedestrianisation idea specifically. This echoes recent polling that found almost two-thirds (63%) of Londoners were in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street – rising to more like three-quarters (72%) among those who had specifically visited the area within 12 months.
Dishoom branches into accommodation as it opens its first London-based ‘hotel’
Dishoom – the beloved Indian restaurant group – has become something of a stalwart in the capital. First opened in Covent Garden in 2010, it has since transformed into a portfolio of seven restaurants spanning from Canary Wharf to Battersea, and renowned for its naan bacon butties, unlimited chai, authentic Indian cuisine and immersive recreation of the traditional Irani cafes of Bombay.
With old-school hospitality at the heart of its ethos, it was only a matter of time until Dishoom branched into accommodation. Enter Permit Room Lodgings: a chic apartment above the newly launched Dishoom Permit Room Portobello in Notting Hill, which is set to open this month. Designed by Macaulay Sinclair, the venue spans three floors featuring a bar and breakfast room, first-floor dining room and the lodgings, which stretch across two en-suite bedrooms and a separate living room – all designed to be a home away from home while promising all the very best bits of a classic hotel stay.
Industrious signs for new 25,000 sq ft site in the West End
Flexible workspace provider Industrious has signed for a new 25,000 sq ft site at 15 Fitzroy Street in London’s West End. The company has taken the ground and first floor of the recently refurbished 83,822 sq ft building.The building features a 1,265 sq ft communal terrace on the seventh floor, a 2,185 sq ft private terrace on the fifth floor and a 2,760 sq ft atrium business lounge, which will be managed by Industrious.
Tom Redmayne, SVP, head of Europe and global sales at Industrious, said: “Demand for premium flexible workspaces in London remains strong, driven by both local and international businesses. As our first building in the West End, this is a direct response to this growing need and underscores our confidence in the market.
We are delighted that DWS has partnered with us on 15 Fitzroy Street. Each of our locations is built to support businesses of all sizes, with flexible terms, thoughtful design and a service-led approach that puts our members’ experience first.” Tom McLaughlin, asset manager at DWS, added: “We’re excited to partner with Industrious to bring flexible workspace to 15 Fitzroy Street.
This sustainable building, situated in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, features smart design that fosters collaboration and learning. Industrious’ expertise in delivering amenity and a best in-class workspace experience, aligns perfectly with our vision for the building.”
