To retrofit or knock-down and start anew: What next for the building demolition debate?

clock • 5 min read

The row over the future of Marks & Spencer's Oxford Street store could mark a watershed in how we think about delivering a modern, net zero building stock in the UK, Jacob Loftus, CEO at real estate developer General Projects

Last month saw a landmark decision by Michael Gove to refuse planning permission for Marks & Spencer's proposed new flagship store on Oxford Street. It's not often that planning issues make national headlines,...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Buildings

Octopus Energy expands 'Zero Bills' homes initiative to Scotland
Buildings

Octopus Energy expands 'Zero Bills' homes initiative to Scotland

Energy giant announces partnership with housebuilder Discovery Homes to offer 57 new 'Zero Bills' homes in North Dundee

Amber Rolt
clock 15 January 2026 • 2 min read
Stop asking for permission: Why greener business must become inevitable in 2026
Buildings

Stop asking for permission: Why greener business must become inevitable in 2026

With cost pressures and economic turbulence reshaping the economy, smart procurement, innovation and low carbon policy can and must become the default across industries, writes Material Evolution's CEO Dr Liz Gilligan

Dr Liz Gilligan, Material Evolution
clock 14 January 2026 • 4 min read
Tor Burrows: 'It's as much about people and culture as it is about carbon'
Buildings

Tor Burrows: 'It's as much about people and culture as it is about carbon'

Grosvenor's chief sustainability officer explains the role business strategy and influencing leadership play in her role, and how progress often means 'navigating ambiguity'

Stuart Stone
Stuart Stone
clock 30 December 2025 • 4 min read