Abbey Garth - Sustainable agreements

The environmental Farm Business Tenancy agreement that we developed in partnership with the Tenant Farmers Association is core to our strategy to create financial, social and environmental value for current and future generations.

The long-term agreements introduce a more flexible model to help farmers balance the competing demands on land use, while ensuring that food production remains core. Creating space for habitat restoration alongside food production supports biodiversity, improves soil health and helps reduce carbon emissions and water use. It can also help to build climate resilience, not only on our own land but also in the surrounding areas.

Oxford - Science and innovation

In 2024, we announced a partnership with Oxford Science Enterprises and Pioneer Group. Our flagship project together is the redevelopment of a former department store in Oxford which is being transformed into around 100,000 sq ft of laboratory space and collaboration space.

The site will deliver world-class lab space, as well as office and advanced manufacturing facilities, with a projected GDV of £4.5 billion. Acquiring this land builds on our existing interests in Oxford and Cambridge, diversifying our portfolio and contributing to local and national growth of these strategically important sectors.

(Image credit: Perkins&Will)

Round 6 - An offshore boost

The North East of England stands to benefit from jobs and growth through Offshore Leasing Round 6, which we expect to launch in the first half of 2027.

It's estimated that delivering round 6 could create up to 10,000 jobs and generate up to £12 billion for the national economy. As the birthplace of UK offshore wind, the North East has a strong connection with the world-leading sector we have today. It is home to Dogger Bank, which is set to become the world’s largest wind farm once fully built, with the region playing a key role in operations and maintenance of the turbines.

Hemel - A 100-year vision

The year we submitted an outline planning application for a new community in Hertfordshire that could deliver up to 4,000 new homes, alongside employment opportunities, schools and extensive green space.

The proposals have been shaped through extensive collaboration and consultation. Over 18 months of engagement with more than 1,400 residents, community groups and local stakeholders has helped to inform the emerging masterplan and ensure the plans respond to local priorities.

Morlais - Wave and tidal power

We have been involved in the Morlais tidal stream demonstration project in Ynys Môn, North Wales for over ten years. Most recently, we have invested £2.6 million in its Marine Characterisation Research Project, which uses pioneering technologies to record dolphin encounters. The social enterprise behind Morlais, the largest consented project of its kind in the world, aims to source its turbine technology locally wherever possible and create jobs and skills for local people.

Northern Ireland - A coastal acquisition

In January, we acquired Dunnyneil Islands in Strangford Lough, our first purchase of land in Northern Ireland for many years. The islands offer an important opportunity for nature and wildlife enhancement. Our new coastal strategy will set out our approach in more detail as we aim to drive nature recovery across the coastal landscapes in our care.

New Zealand House - Modernising heritage

We are progressing a significant pipeline of retrofitting and refurbishment works that will ensure our London properties meet our customers’ future needs. The designs for each project are being developed in line with our Development Sustainability Principles and we are retaining original structures and materials wherever we can.

Works are nearing completion on a flagship redevelopment of the historic New Zealand House where we’ve been able to retain around 90 of the original façade, as well as reusing recycled steel where possible.