As Country & Townhouse has announced its Great British Brand Awards 2025 today, we are pleased to share that Native Land has won the ‘Commitment to the Planet’ Award. Bankside Yards, built around 14 historic railway arches in Blackfriars, is the UK’s first major fossil fuel-free mixed-use development in operation, and is a key example of this commitment to sustainability. The 1.4 million sq ft development “incorporates innovative features such as a fifth-generation energy sharing network, significantly reducing operational energy use.”
When deciding on the winner, Country & Townhouse looked for “a brand that has shown an outstanding commitment to innovating to create planet and people friendly products or services.” Within Bankside Yards, they saw the prioritisation of biodiversity and public green spaces, as well as substantial community-based initiatives. The judges shared that Bankside Yards sets “an inspiring precedent” for the industry.
In an exclusive interview with the publication, Alasdair Nicholls, CEO of Native Land shared how Bankside Yards came about:
“We acquired the huge site around 2016 with planning permission for nine buildings, but reduced them to eight, increasing the amount of open green space, which has always been a major focus for us. We looked at the eight buildings holistically and realised there was a cross-fertilisation of energy between hotels, residences and offices since they all consume energy at different times. This allowed us to enhance efficiency, and being sustainable with lower running costs has really drawn occupiers to Arbor, the office building, and had a positive influence on residential buyers too.”
We are incredibly proud to be named as a Great British Brand amongst an exceptional cohort, especially during the 10th anniversary year.
Head to Country & Townhouse to read more: https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/culture/great-british-brand-2025-awards-winners/
Country & Townhouse, 10th Anniversary edition can be read here: Great British Brands 2025 PROMO by Country & Town House Magazine – Issuu
