Let’s be honest – “sustainability” has been the buzzword in London offices for years. But now, we’re finally seeing it turn from box-ticking into something real. Something occupiers are not just talking about in pitch decks, but actually demanding from their space.

And nowhere is that more obvious than on the roof.

Green roofs, rooftop terraces, sky gardens – call them what you like, they’re fast becoming non-negotiables. They’re not just nice-to-haves anymore. They’re the deal-makers.

You can see it in buildings like The Hickman in Whitechapel (2 Whitechapel Road, E1). It’s not just smart in terms of tech – the building is loaded with sensors and tenant control – but the roof terrace up there is a big pull. You’ve got views across the City, a proper breakout zone, and space that actually makes you want to spend time in the office again.

Or look at The Forge in Bankside (105 Sumner Street, SE1). It’s one of the UK’s first net-zero carbon commercial buildings. The rooftop garden there isn’t just about ticking a BREEAM box – it’s a landscaped space designed for tenants to use. Meetings, lunch, evening drinks – it’s being used properly. And that’s the point. These aren’t just architectural gimmicks anymore; they’re functional, valued parts of the workspace.

I was recently walking a client through The Featherstone Building in Old Street (66 City Road, EC1Y). Again, it’s not just the fit-out or the ESG credentials that stand out—it’s that roof. It gives tenants the feeling of extra space without the extra sq ft cost. It’s a mood-shifter. You take a call up there or host a client meeting with skyline views, and it just elevates the experience. Simple as that.

The demand for outdoor space has gone through the roof (pun 100% intended). Since Covid, fresh air, flexibility, and wellness aren’t fringe ideas – they’re right up front. And landlords who’ve invested in usable terraces or gardens are absolutely seeing the returns.

It’s also about differentiation. In a crowded market, rooftop space sets you apart. If you’re looking at 5 similar Cat A floors, and one has a south-facing roof terrace with wi-fi and outdoor meeting pods – you know where the tenant’s going.

And tenants will pay for it. They might not say they want to, but when it comes down to decision time, those “soft” factors make the difference. Culture, wellbeing, identity – it all ties in.

So if you’re a landlord with a roof that’s currently just home to some vents and a few pigeons – give us a call. There’s a whole world of opportunity up there.

And if you’re a tenant looking for something that gives your team space to breathe, think beyond just the office plan. The best part of your next workspace might not be on the floorplan – it might be above it.