Great Portland Estates plc (GPE) has structurally completed 30 Duke Street, St James’s, SW1, and marked the milestone with a Topping Out Ceremony alongside construction partner Mace, The Crown Estate, and customer CD&R, who will take possession in summer 2026.
Speeches were delivered by Toby Courtauld (GPE CEO), Dan Labbad (The Crown Estate CEO), Ged Simmonds (Mace MD of Private Sector Construction), Helen Hare (GPE Director of Projects) and Sal Capotosto (Mace Operations Director). Guests, including Elliott Wood, Hoare Lea, and architects Make, joined a concrete infill on level eight, with over 80 attendees from the extended supply chain.
The development will offer 70,900 sq ft of premium space across basement to level seven, with 3,700 sq ft of roof terraces. Designed by Make Architects, it sets a new standard in sustainable design and amenities. Notably, 78% of the steel frame is reused—mainly from GPE’s City Place House—making it London’s largest commercial steel reuse scheme, cutting 90% of carbon emissions compared to using new steel.
It was brilliant to bring everyone together to celebrate this landmark moment, ahead of handing the building over to the team at CD&R next year. The Agreement to Lease to CD&R for the entire building, a year ahead of delivery reflects the strong and sustained demand for best-in-class offices in the core of the West End.
