As a responsible landowner, the Duchy of Lancaster is committed to managing and improving its estate in ways that promote long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This ethos underpins our approach to all property investment and stewardship, including the careful upgrading of existing assets to enhance performance, reduce carbon emissions and support the evolving needs of modern businesses.
One recent example is the refurbishment of four units at The Willows business park in Bermondsey. The buildings at The Willows were originally constructed in the mid nineteenth century as stables for the Bricklayers Arms Station and were converted into modern business units in 1990. It is a traditional brick built low-rise building subdivided into six units, providing a total of 10,290 sq ft of workspace for small and growing businesses.
The refurbishment has transformed the units Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating from F to A, delivering a high-performing and energy-efficient space. Key improvements include:
Sustainability at the heart
Sustainable design principles were embedded throughout the project, ensuring that interventions were both environmentally responsible and cost-effective for future occupiers. These improvements reduce operational carbon, lower energy costs for tenants, and extend the lifespan of the building—supporting our wider commitment to responsible stewardship across the Duchy estate.