City of London

Architects’ Journal reports that architect ACME has Network Rail’s scaled back plans for the Liverpool Street station. The new designs drawn up by ACME, include new entrances, an increase in escalators from four to eight and a bigger station concourse.

City of Westminster

EG Radius reports that the Reuben brothers have unveiled plans for a revamp of the former John Lewis HQ at Victoria Street. The plans aim to revitalise the building and make it more attractive to a variety of tenants and resilient to market forces.

Co-star news reports that American investor Realty Income is in talks to buy 3 St James’s Square, SW1, a multilet core-plus office, from Hong Kong private equity investor Joint Treasure International for around £125 million. WELPUT, the specialist Central London real estate fund, sold the building to a consortium of investors in Joint Treasure International for £135 million in 2017, reflecting a net initial yield of 3.96% and a capital value of £2,609 per square foot.

BENews reports that Global Holdings Group has acquired the Frith + Bateman building in London’s Soho for an undisclosed price. Global Holdings Management Group, which develops and manages the real estate assets of Global Holdings Group, will now look to reposition the office and retail space, refurbishing the building to modern standards with new amenities.

Building Magazine reports that London developer Derwent is moving ahead with the redevelopment of a listed corner block on Oxford Street, with DSDHA as the scheme’s architect. The 15,000 sq ft office redevelopment is at grade II-listed Holden House.

Hackney

Building Design reports that plans by H2H Company Ltd for the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a part five-, part-14 storey building for office space was approved by committee.

Islington

EG Radius reports that OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is exploring where to establish a long-term base for its international office as its London-based team grows. It established its first international office in flex operator Fora’s York House at 221 Pentonville Road.