City occupiers were this week close to committing to more than 250,000 sq ft of office space as this year’s strong start in the lettings market continues.
Financial information services firm Markit is close to agreeing terms to occupy British Land’s 586,000 sq ft Ropemaker, EC2. It is to take around 80,000 sq ft, with an option for a further 20,000 sq ft, in a move from its headquarters at 2 More London, SE1.
Law firm Stephenson Harwood is narrowing its 110,000 sq ft search to three buildings after being shunted from St Martins’ 150 Cheapside, EC2 – where Daiwa is close to taking 120,000 sq ft.
Its options are PRUPIM’s 181,000 sq ft Parkhouse, Hermes Real Estate’s 187,000 sq ft 1 Finsbury Circus, and Menolly’s 183,000 sq ft 107 Cheapside, all EC2.
Banco Espirito Santo has taken 50,000 sq ft at the London Stock Exchange building at 10 Paternoster Square, EC4. The Portuguese bank will pay £40 per sq ft on a 10-year lease, with three years rent free. It is currently based in 15,000 sq ft at 33 Queen Street, EC4.
CB Richard Ellis advises Daiwa, LSE and BL with Jones Lang LaSalle; Drivers Jonas acts for Banco Espirito Santo, DTZ for Markit.
