Signal File: Is the office becoming public infrastructure?

This week’s signals show regulation, regeneration and market demand changing where and how offices operate, from tightening energy standards in the US to planning reforms in London.

These stories indicate that new commercial developments are being more tightly woven into public infrastructure, with workplaces being judged on its responsibility to its occupants, the city and the wider environment.

Regeneration takes centre stage in office design

This year’s BCO Awards recognised offices for their contribution to urban regeneration, sustainability and workplace experience, with Swansea’s 71/72 Kingsway taking the top prize. Judges described the scheme as a catalyst for the regeneration of the city centre, while Wigan’s Civic Millgate was recognised for transforming a neglected 1960s civic centre into a workplace and community hub. The results suggest offices are increasingly being valued for the impact they create beyond their own walls.

In action: As expectations grow, organisations may need to consider how their workplaces contribute to local economies, communities and town centres.

London rethinks office cycle storage

Proposed changes to the London Plan would reduce the amount of cycle parking new offices must provide, after research from the London Property Alliance found 76% of existing spaces across 21 central London buildings were unused at peak times. Developers argue the rise of hire bikes and electric bikes has left large areas of costly, carbon-intensive basement space empty, and want to reallocate it to amenities such as gyms and wellbeing facilities.

In action: Match space to real behaviour. As commuting patterns evolve, organisations will need to use occupancy data to ensure workplace amenities reflect how employees travel and work.

Building performance rules begin to bite

The first compliance deadlines for US building performance standards have now passed in several jurisdictions, including New York City, Boston and St. Louis, with New York reporting strong compliance. Cities including Philadelphia and St. Louis are now entering second, more stringent compliance cycles, while Seattle and Austin have partnered with utilities to offer incentives and support. The developments suggest energy performance is shifting from voluntary ambition to enforceable obligation.

In action: The standards are tightening; organisations will need clearer visibility into how their buildings use energy and where upgrades are needed.

AI tenants drive a new wave of office demand

New analysis from CompStak finds AI companies now account for 51% of technology, advertising, media and information office leasing in major US markets, up from 20% in 2025. AI tenants are also committing to longer leases, with average terms rising to 80.3 months, while demand has concentrated heavily in New York, San Francisco and the Bay Area. The findings challenge assumptions that AI will reduce the need for physical workspace, at least in the short term.

In action: As AI firms compete for space in a handful of markets, organisations may face rising costs and tighter availability for high quality offices in key hubs.

Office mandates meet organised resistance

Barclays has introduced transitional measures for employees unable to meet its new three-day office requirement, following a union campaign backed by thousands of staff. The open letter, organised by Unite, called for support with commuting costs and exemptions for employees living more than 40 minutes from their workplace. The move reflects growing pressure on employers to account for the personal cost of office attendance when tightening flexibility policies.

In action: As attendance expectations rise, organisations may need to pair mandates with practical support that makes office time viable for employees.