Success at scale – getting the big build right
By Andrew Elliott, Project Director, Structure Tone London
Central London remains an attractive market for commercial investment, providing opportunities for businesses of all scales. After an initial ‘scale-down’ response post-covid, we’ve since seen a renewed appetite for large and ‘megascale’ offices.
In 2025, the City of London alone saw its highest number of planning applications in ten years, with applications over 100,000 sqm of new floor space up 36% on 2024. London is the leading city in Europe for HQ investment, and the capital is seeing a surge of AI and tech businesses (among many other sectors) requiring premium Grade A office space at thousands, if not millions, of square feet.
Naturally, delivering offices at scale is a complex process that carries greater potential for challenges or delays during construction. This is a huge risk for businesses who rely on a set FDOB (First Day of Business) to start operations and solidify their position in the market.
So, how do construction teams ensure that mega office projects are de-risked and delivered on time? Here are some of the key learnings I’ve taken from being part of a team delivering a megascale central London fit out –
Logistics without limits
Marrying complex logistics with fast delivery times requires contractors to be calm, methodical and ready to channel creative ways to adapt.
For example, identifying opportunities for innovative resequencing while supporting the construction team and supply chain in the technical delivery and giving the client confidence that taking alternative routes will help to meet their goals.
Another factor to consider with projects of scale is that the occupier may need to get certain teams into the building earlier than the set FDOB. Multi-phased completions within live operational settings require an integrated and creative methodology that mitigates noise, damage and disruption. Forward planning and engagement with the client’s building management team are essential to ensure safe movement of people and materials around occupied spaces and routes.
Mega teams, mega success
Large construction projects need large teams made up of a diverse range of businesses and skills. However, it is critical that everyone on site feels like they are part of one big team that is going on a journey together
From the outset, the contractor, consultant and trade teams need to be aligned on values, drivers and deliverables, and we – as the main contractor – have an important role to play as a connector between these groups.
Part of enabling that one team culture is also creating a site environment that people are proud to work in and want to come to every day, a site where every single person feels like they have an important role to play in the project’s success.
Greater potential for good
It is not just the internal environment that needs to be factored in. Being a good neighbour is always important, but particularly with large projects where the impact of the site may have further reach. Carefully controlled vehicular access and material delivery routes combined with astute stakeholder management will be crucial for protecting everyone’s safety, reducing noise pollution and minimising traffic disruptions.
Construction projects also provide an opportunity for positive impact through community engagement and social value initiatives. Social value teams should do early outreach with local organisations, charities and residents to help create a meaningful social value strategy that places community needs at its heart, building on those relationships over the course of the project.
Constructing at scale with confidence
For an occupier, creating a new mega office will be a critical moment in their business journey, whether that is moving into a new headquarters, opening a new location, or scaling up their operations.
Our role is to help bring the design to life and confidently manage the complexities of the construction process. Ultimately, scale should not be a barrier to certainty. The bigger the project, the more important it is to have a clear plan, a connected team and the ability to adapt when things change.
So that when the first day of business arrives, your client is confident that the building will be ready. That’s where the real value of an experienced delivery team comes in.