Shell confirms plans for Shell Centre and Canary Wharf

  Shell International Petroleum Company has confirmed it is seeking a development partner and taking temporary space in Canary Wharf as part of plans to redevelop its Shell Centre HQ near Waterloo station.    As revealed by EG on 19th February 2010, around 1,600 staff will relocate during the redevelopment into 187,000 sq ft of space at 40 Bank Street in Canary Wharf, E14, while 1,700 staff will remain in the tower building of the Shell Centre on York Road, SE1.   On completion of the new London headquarters, staff will return to the South Bank, which will remain Shell’s long-term home in London.   James Smith, chairman of Shell UK, said: “Shell Centre is our home in London. The site is an exceptional location in one of the world’s great cities.   “We want to redevelop it to its full, modern potential in keeping with the continuing development of London’s South Bank.”   Shell said it was seeking a development partner with a vision that reflects the importance Shell attaches to the site, the local community and to the continuing development of the South Bank. Development plans will undergo public consultation.    CB Richard Ellis advised Shell on the move. Jones Lang LaSalle and CBRE advised CWG.   james.buckley@estatesgazette.com