Celebrating creativity and ambition in the property sector across the East of England
© CoStar Impact Awards - 2026
Our Chief Property and Strategy Officer Stuart McDonald shines a light on innovation within our region’s property sector.
Creative problem-solving is at the core of my role, and it’s one of the main reasons I decided to be a judge on the CoStar Impact Awards panel. Reviewing the ambitious solutions to complex property projects that are regenerating cities and towns across the east of England gives me a sense of optimism at a time when the market is challenging.
Exciting projects with the potential to boost our local economy while boasting impressive green credentials entered the awards. I’m sure their work will encourage others to think in new ways, and I hope to take inspiration through into the development of our own property portfolio as well.
I feel particularly proud to see how much talent and passion came across in the entries for the CoStar Impact Awards from across our region. You only have to look around the thriving communities that we serve to see the work of ambitious architects and place makers that are pushing the envelope.
© CoStar Impact Awards - 2026
Winners of the awards included the letting of The Optic at Peterhouse Business Park in Cambridge, which is the largest office transaction in the city since 2021 and will support technological advancement in our region. The space has impressive green credentials, and the award recognises its positive impact on the market.
The investment sale of Castle Mall in Norwich was also a worthy winner in the Sale/Disposal of the Year category. The project is well-aligned with our own portfolio objectives and investments in rooftop solar and sustainability within our property portfolio. Overall, I felt that the Castle Mall deal achieved the greatest impact on its local market and is a clear vote of confidence to investors in Norwich.
Being on the panel gave me an opportunity to give something back to CoStar, who provide the market with insightful data, research and analytics on what is happening in our regional commercial property market. This allows businesses, such as ours, to make critical decisions on how to move forward with various projects within our diverse and complex portfolio.
Property is the foundation stone of our co-op, and we utilise our expert team, together with regional consultants to maximise value and impact from our portfolio. And while the sector is facing challenges, I am impressed and inspired by how people, including my colleagues, find resourceful ways to combat financial and logistical project constraints to produce incredible projects that grow our portfolio. In line with our co-op’s mission, we’ll continue to invest in our property portfolio to ensure we can continue to make a positive local impact.
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