RACand BATbuildings likely to go to software firms seeking M4 bases, removing 13,400m2
Lucy Coppin
Hi-tech occupiers are to take two of the largest tranches of space available in Staines.
Software company Siebel Systems is understood to be taking the RAC building under construction off junction 13 of the M25. The Egham-based company is expected to set up a new HQ at the 6,968m2 (75,000 sq ft) building. The rent is believed to be around £323 per m2 (£30 per sq ft).
A source said: “We think Siebel Systems has got a lock-out clause to take on the whole of the building.”
Katie Griffin of DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, which is acting for Siebel, said: “It has agreed terms on a building, but I cannot confirm or deny whether it is the RAC building or whether it is in that area.”
Siebel Systems has been seeking an HQ building in the M4 area for some time.
Other companies which have been looking at the building include Centrica, the company which merged with the AA last year.
DTZ is also marketing the RAC building.
Elsewhere in Staines, EMC Software is eyeing the former BAT building at Compass Point, which is being marketed at about £334 per m2 (£31 per sq ft).
The 6,410m2 (69,000 sq ft) Millbank House was previously BAT’s international headquarters, but was purchased by Internationales Immobilien-Institute in December 1998.
Guy Gregory of Lambert Smith Hampton, which is marketing the site, said: “We are talking to occupiers, but the building is still fully available.”
- Fairmile Place in Cobham is rumoured to be under offer to Woking-based financial services firm, the eXchange. The 4,966m2 (53,454 sq ft) office building was completed last April in a jv between Countryside Properties (Commercial) and British Land. Holley Blake is acting for Fairmile Place.
