Thames Valley occupiers are expected to launch a raft of requirements over the coming months as they race to grab the best space.
Around 15m sq ft could be vacated during the next five years as leases expire, according to Jones Lang LaSalle.
More than 200,000 sq ft of requirements have been launched as a result of the upcoming expiries and continuing lack of quality space. Just 28% of the 12m sq ft of available space in the Thames Valley is grade-A.
One of the largest searches comes from DIY retailer Wickes, which has instructed Altus Edwin Hill to find up to 70,000 sq ft in the Western corridor. It is currently based at a number of offices in Harrow, totalling around 45,000 sq ft, with most of the leases expiring in mid-2013.
Rental business Enterprise Cars is on the hunt for as much as 50,000 sq ft in Staines. Its lease at Delta House in Egham, Surrey, is due to expire in 2014.
Elsewhere, technology companies NEC and BMC Software are looking for 45,000 sq ft in Heathrow and 30,000 sq ft in Staines respectively, while gaming business Rank Leisure wants 34,000 sq ft in Maidenhead.
Companies with existing searches include toy manufacturer Hasbro, and Chinese telecoms firm Huawei, which is believed to be close to taking 80,000 sq ft at Oxford Properties’ Green Park in Reading.
Ann Walshe Associates acts for NEC; DTZ is advising BMC; Cushman & Wakefield is representing Rank Leisure
