Shoreditch Works, EC2

Introduction

Long before Shoreditch became one of London’s most sought-after destinations, two families began quietly assembling buildings across the neighbourhood. They weren’t following a trend, they were investing for the long term, recognising the area’s potential decades before it became synonymous with London’s creative economy.

Over more than fifty years, those individual acquisitions evolved into a significant estate. Today, the next generation has brought those holdings together through a joint venture, creating the opportunity to think beyond individual buildings and shape an entire piece of Shoreditch.

That opportunity, however, comes at a time when development has rarely been more challenging. Construction costs remain elevated, finance is more expensive, and in many cases existing use values rival redevelopment economics. Rather than pursuing development for development’s sake, the vision for Shoreditch Works has always been to create a commercially viable masterplan that celebrates the area’s heritage, strengthens its creative community and leaves a lasting legacy.

The Challenge

Bringing forward major regeneration projects has rarely been more challenging.

Construction costs remain elevated, financing has become more expensive and, across much of London, the existing value of buildings increasingly rivals the value created through redevelopment. Delivering successful schemes today requires far more than obtaining planning consent; every decision must be commercially justified.

Shoreditch Works presented an additional challenge. Sitting within a conservation area and surrounded by an established creative community, the masterplan needed to respect the area’s heritage whilst responding to the changing needs of occupiers, residents and visitors. The question wasn’t simply what could be built, but what should be built.

The Process

From the outset, our focus has been on creating a masterplan that is both commercially deliverable and true to the character of Shoreditch.

Working alongside the wider consultant team, we have helped shape the development strategy, tested viability, challenged assumptions and advised on the commercial framework to ensure the scheme responds to changing market conditions whilst remaining deliverable. Throughout the process, collaboration with stakeholders, the local community and the London Borough of Hackney has been central to the evolution of the proposals.

The Result

Planning for the 650,000 sq ft mixed-use masterplan was submitted in Q4 2024 and is currently awaiting determination by the Greater London Authority, with a decision anticipated in 2026.

The emerging masterplan seeks to create a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood that balances workspace, homes, hospitality, culture and public realm whilst celebrating the industrial heritage that has defined Shoreditch for generations. As the project continues to evolve, Kauffmans remains closely involved, helping to steer the commercial strategy and guide one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in Shoreditch.