What was The Buzz in January?
Our monthly roundup of real estate industry news.
Here are a few of the stories that caught our attention in January.
British Land relocates UK headquarters to Regent’s Place
British Land is to move its headquarters from its long-term home at York House in London’s Marble Arch to its Regent’s Place campus, CoStar News can reveal.
The leading UK real estate investment trust is taking 35,000 square foot at 20 Triton Street in Euston. The move reflects its strategic commitment to its campus developments, with Regent’s Place the next to come forward alongside the Canada Water development.
British Land has been at York House since 2007. It sold a majority ownership stake in the building as part of a £401 million portfolio sale in 2020 to form a new joint venture with Allianz, with British Land’s interest at 25% and Allianz’s at 75%. The REIT continues to manage the building and has found a tenant for its vacated space at York House.
Its new home will be at Regent’s Place, in London’s Knowledge Quarter, close to several academic and research institutions, including University College London, The Wellcome Trust and The Francis Crick Institute. London Euston station is a 10-minute walk. The 20 Triton Street building comprises around 255,000 square foot of offices and is owned by British Land.
UK approves Chinese ‘mega embassy’ in London
The communities secretary, Steve Reed, has given permission for China to build a vast new embassy near the Tower of London after spy chiefs told him that the risks to UK national security could be controlled and dealt with.
The decision paves the way for Keir Starmer to visit Beijing in the coming weeks – though local residents plan to legally challenge the decision, potentially delaying the development by months or years.
Wider political concerns about China were not relevant to the planning process, the minister concluded. “Ethical or similar objections to the provision of an embassy for a specific country cannot be a material planning consideration,” Reed said, as he largely endorsed a report from the department’s Planning Inspectorate.
MPs from across the political spectrum had voiced their opposition to the application, but the security services said they could handle the risks of espionage that may stem from the enlarged site, which sits close to data cables that run into the City of London.
UKREiiF to host first marketing day with J2
For the very first time, UKREiiF will dedicate an entire day to the people shaping the stories behind every great place – the marketers.
J2 Marketing Day is a full-day programme of workshops, masterclasses and conversations hosted by J2 at UKREiiF 2026. Designed to share expertise, tackle challenges, and explore what’s next in our industry, this event brings together creativity, technology and strategy under one roof.
Expect a buzzing line-up of industry-leading speakers, practical insights, and inspiring discussions tackling the most important topics in place marketing today.
Simon Carter to step down as Chief Executive Officer of British Land
The Board of The British Land Company announces that, after over five years as Chief Executive Officer and 18 years at the company, Simon Carter has informed the Board of his intention to step down as CEO and from the British Land Board. He will be leaving British Land to become CEO of P3 Logistics Parks (“P3”), the GIC-owned investor, manager, and developer of logistics properties in Europe.
Simon initially joined British Land in 2004, working in several roles across Strategy, Corporate Finance and Treasury before leaving in 2015 to become Chief Financial Officer at Quintain Estates & Development and, later, Logicor. He returned to British Land as CFO in 2018 and was appointed CEO in 2020.
William Rucker, Chairman, said: “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Simon for his significant contribution to British Land. During his 18 years here across two stints he has achieved a huge amount, and as CEO has positioned the business for future success with a very strong management team and an exceptional London office campus and retail park platform. We wish him all the best in his new role at P3.”
Simon Carter, Chief Executive, said: “British Land has been a huge part of my professional life, and it has been a privilege to work for such a fantastic business.
Workspace Group appoints ToG co-founder as new CEO
Flexible workspace operator Workspace Group has appointed The Office Group (ToG) co-founder Charlie Green as chief executive officer.
He replaces Lawrence Hutchings who is stepping down as CEO and board director. Green led ToG, which is now known as Fora, through multiple investment cycles, including Blackstone’s acquisition of the business in 2017. Green will join the business on 2 February.
Last month, Workspace Group announced Tom Edwards-Moss would be joining the business as CFO designate on 23 February, replacing outgoing CFO Dave Benson who is leaving the business on 30 April 2026.
Duncan Owen, chair of Workspace, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Lawrence for his contribution since joining Workspace and we wish him all the best for the future. He has led the team in defining and launching the ‘fix, accelerate and scale’ strategy which is delivering positive results. The board remains committed to this strategy and is confident the right foundations have been laid to rebuild operational performance.
