Law firm Baker McKenzie has agreed to prelet 153,000 sq ft at 280 Bishopsgate, EC2, as its new London headquarters.
It has completed a deal on a 15-year lease with owners CBRE Global Investors and King Street Real Estate, in partnership with Arax Properties, which acquired the building last December.
The partners are refurbishing the vacant former London headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland to provide 280,000 sq ft of office space, including a new rooftop terrace and balconies overlooking Spitalfields, with completion due by autumn 2021.
Baker McKenzie will work closely with the developers and architects Hassell to create an eco-friendly and sustainable office for more than 1,000 people.
The law firm launched a requirement for a new HQ last summer and will vacate the 160,000 sq ft office at 100 New Bridge Street, EC4, near City Thameslink train station. It has been in the building, which is owned by the Qatari royal family’s private property company Alduwaliya Asset Management, since 1991.
Alex Chadwick, Baker McKenzie’s London managing partner, said: “Moving into the heart of the City of London represents our long-term commitment beyond COVID-19 to retaining an office base in what is an incredibly important financial centre to the firm.”
Chadwick said that the firm is committed to expanding its presence in London. He added: “This requires a suitable office environment – a new, modern and eco-friendly space in which we can collaborate, cultivate our Firm culture, embrace new technologies, and meet and interact with each other and our clients. ”
Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE and BH2 are leasing agents for 280 Bishopsgate. Savills advised Baker McKenzie.
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