Stay or go? What September’s office news actually tells us

“Stay” can mean changing almost everything but the address

Citi began moving colleagues into its redeveloped Canary Wharf headquarters on 21 September. The company describes a multi-year transformation of its existing tower, with approximately 10,000 colleagues expected to be based there after its phased transition. It is a large-scale example of keeping a location while materially changing the workplace. [2] Citi, London headquarters redevelopment (opens in a new tab)

At a smaller scale, the useful question is whether your current building can support the layout, meeting rooms, accessibility, building services and employee experience you need. If it can, compare a reconfiguration or refurbishment against a move. If the building or location cannot meet the brief, cosmetic work will not solve the underlying issue.

“Go” should follow a workplace brief, not precede it

In Reading, Boyes Turner’s proposed move from a larger, underused office to a 19,611 sq ft workplace followed occupancy analysis and conversations with staff. Its plan includes settings for collaboration, confidential work and focus. The transferable lesson is the sequence: understand how the space is used, then decide what to acquire and design. [4] Building Design & Construction Magazine, Boyes Turner in Reading (opens in a new tab)

In Milton Keynes, Connells Group brought teams from four offices into a new 60,000 sq ft headquarters. Lambert Smith Hampton says the project began with a review of the existing portfolio and consultation with stakeholders before property selection. This is another example of the decision being driven by an operational brief rather than by a generic target of “more” or “less” space. [5] Lambert Smith Hampton, Connells Group in Milton Keynes (opens in a new tab)

Five questions to put on the table

1. What is the actual constraint? Too many desks, too few meeting rooms, a difficult commute, an unsuitable building, or a lease event are different problems.
2. When does your lease give you a choice? Check expiry, break conditions and notice dates with your property solicitor before assuming a move is available on your preferred timetable.
3. What does attendance look like on busy days? Average occupancy can hide pressure on peak days; count people, settings and future growth separately.
4. Can the present space be adapted? Ask what a feasible reconfiguration or refurbishment would cost, how long it would take and how work could be phased.
5. What is the whole-life comparison? Put rent, fit-out, professional fees, business disruption, move costs and exit obligations beside the cost of staying. Avoid comparing rent alone.

The takeaway

September’s stories illustrate all three directions: a long-term move, a major transformation in place, and workplace-led right-sizing. They are examples, not a forecast for your organisation. Start with your own constraints, then test stay, change and go on the same brief.

This article is general information, not architectural, property, legal or financial advice. Professional advice is available for decisions about a specific workplace or lease.