The Office Group is in talks to become the first tenant at British Land’s Blossom Street development, E1, which was approved by the mayor of London this week.
Charlie Green, co-chief executive of the flexible office space provider, defended the scheme at a hearing at the Greater London Authority this week, claiming it would provide a vital home to small businesses.
In a separate statement released to EG, he said: “The Office Group is in advanced negotiations with British Land to let 52,000 sq ft in the S2 Building of the Blossom Street development.”
The space would provide a home to as many as 60 small companies in the tech, media and creative industries, countering claims by campaigners who oppose the scheme on the ground it will favour corporate tenants at the cost of the start-ups characteristic of the area.
The scheme, designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, was originally recommended for approval by Tower Hamlets planning officers last July.
However, it was rejected by councillors on the planning committee in the face of vocal opposition, prompting mayor of London Boris Johnson to call in the scheme in September.
BL then agreed to modify elements of the scheme, including retaining and refurbishing historic warehouses at 12 and 13 Blossom Street (pictured), which had previously been earmarked for redevelopment.
Nigel Webb, head of developments at BL, said: “We are acutely aware of the historical significance of the site, and have worked with award-winning architects to devise an outstanding development that can support 2,500 jobs, in keeping with the character of the area.”
JLL and Allsop are letting agents on the development; Cushman & Wakefield is acting for the Office Group.
British Land’s Blossom Street
The two-acre site is bounded by Elder Street, Folgate Street, Blossom Street, Norton Folgate, Shoreditch High Street and Commercial Street, E1. The total
proposed development covers 350,000 sq ft, and comprises:
- 257,225 sq ft of offices
- 13 shops
- 40 flats
- 15,000 sq ft of public space
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