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Workspace Group: Pioneering Sustainable Office Solutions

Originally known as London Industrial in 1987, Workspace Group began with a clear mission: to manage a diverse industrial property portfolio across Greater London. With 18 industrial properties spanning 710,000 sq. ft., the company quickly established itself as a key player in the city’s business infrastructure. Fast forward to today, and Workspace Group owns over 4.5 million sq. ft. of prime office, studio, and workshop space across 77 locations, with 58 of these situated in London.

Workspace Group are renowned for its characterful, low-rise properties, typically exceeding 50,000 sq. ft. Many buildings, such as Clerkenwell Workshops, China Works, and Brickfields, are local landmarks in business districts near transport links. Each site is designed to support modern businesses, offering integrated amenities like meeting rooms, breakout spaces, gyms, cafés, and well-being facilities. These thoughtful work environments ensure that companies have everything they need under one roof.

154-160 Fleet St, London EC4A 2DQ

Workspace Fleet Street42,842 ft.² of Flexible workspace in Central London.

From Public Ownership to Private Enterprise: The Birth of Workspace Group

The journey from public ownership to a leading commercial property company is a story of strategic foresight and adaptability. After floating on the London Stock Exchange in 1993, the company expanded its reach beyond London, acquiring industrial estates in the West Midlands. However, by 2001, Workspace Group refocused exclusively on the capital, selling off its Midlands properties to concentrate on growing market share in London.

One of the most significant milestones was the £80 million acquisition of 23 London properties from Tonex in 1999, expanding its portfolio by 40%. This deal brought flagship locations like The Biscuit Factory and Metal Box Factory under its umbrella. Further expansion followed in the 2010s, with acquisitions in Fitzrovia, Moorgate, Camden, and Shepherd’s Bush. Even in times of crisis, such as the 2008 financial downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic, Workspace Group remained resilient, supporting tenants with rent reductions while strengthening its portfolio.

Workspace Group - Leroy House 436 Essex road. Entrance.

Leroy House Workspace showcases its eco-friendly design practices.

Leading the Charge on Sustainability

At Workspace Group, sustainability is more than a trend – it is a core business philosophy. The flagship refurbishment at Leroy House is a prime example, designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification while maintaining a carbon footprint 77% lower than industry benchmarks. Key sustainable features include:

✔ Recycled materials – Steel, low-carbon concrete

✔ Energy efficiency – Heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting

✔ Well-being – Green roofs, large windows, cycle facilities

The commitment goes beyond infrastructure. The company sources materials locally, reducing transportation emissions while creating job opportunities through apprenticeships and training schemes.

Active Asset Management: Creating Long-Term Value

Unlike many office space providers, Workspace Group owns its properties freehold, giving it complete control over its design and management. This allows for rapid adaptation to market trends. Whether through layout reconfigurations, amenity upgrades, or repurposing spaces for emerging business needs. By taking an active, hands-on approach to asset management, Workspace Group ensures its buildings remain competitive, sustainable, and fit for modern businesses.

A continuous programme of refurbishments and redevelopments enhances rental income while improving property value. This strategic reinvestment approach keeps the portfolio aligned with evolving work habits, ensuring businesses of all sizes can find flexible, high-quality office solutions in London.

Workspace Goswell Road, London EC1V 7LQ

Workspace Goswell Road41,490 ft.² of dedicated workspace in EC1V.

Workspace Group Racing to Net Zero by 2030

The company has set an ambitious goal: reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Since the majority of its emissions stem from building operations and refurbishments, the company is focused on:

✔ Cutting embodied carbon in construction

✔ Enhancing operational efficiency with technology

✔ Implementing circular economy principles to reduce waste

Each new development follows strict environmental guidelines, ensuring sustainability is built into every stage of the building lifecycle. From using durable, low-carbon materials to designing buildings for long-term efficiency, they are leading the charge in creating greener office spaces for the future.

Reimagining Workspaces: A Circular Economy Approach

The property industry has long operated on a take-make-waste model. By embracing a circular economy, the company ensures that materials are reused and repurposed rather than discarded, significantly cutting carbon emissions.

Flexibility is at the heart of this strategy. Workspace designs buildings that can be adapted over time, whether reconfiguring partitions, upgrading facades, or seamlessly integrating new technologies. By focusing on modular design and using reclaimed materials, Workspace Group creates environmentally responsible offices.

Building Smarter: The Push for Sustainable Materials

Materials matter. Workspace Group is committed to using low-carbon, responsibly sourced options in all developments and refurbishments. The company has strict procurement standards, ensuring that key materials meet industry sustainability benchmarks:

✔ Timber, concrete, and steel – Must have high recycled content and sustainability certifications (FSC, PEFC, BES 6001)

✔ Toxic-free finishes – Paints, adhesives, and coatings must be low-VOC

✔ Ban on harmful materials – No high-GWP refrigerants, polyurethane insulation, or chemically treated wood

By maintaining rigorous material standards, Workspace Group are shaping the future of office space.

Workspace The Frames, 1 Phipp Street - Cafe

The Frames Workspace51,864 ft.² of Flexible workspace near Liverpool Street.

Find Your Ideal Office with Workspace Group

Whether you are a fast-growing start-up or an established company looking for a fresh space, their diverse portfolio offers something for everyone. From contemporary studios to characterful office space, each location provides flexible leases, high-quality amenities, and an environment designed for success.

If you are looking for an office that works for you, we can help. Feel free to browse our website or contact us and let’s find the perfect workspace together.

I am passionate about helping startups and SMEs find design-led workspaces that inspire productivity and growth. With a focus on businesses with up to 20 team members, I focus on sourcing flexible office spaces under 3,000 sq. ft in Central London.