Skelton secures BNP Paribas arm for Basingstoke office

BNP Paribas’ asset finance arm has agreed to take up 21,000 sq ft at Skelton Group Investments’ Midpoint offices on Alencon Link in Basingstoke. The business, known as BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, has signed for the fourth floor and part of the fifth floor of the property on a 10-year lease. It will relocate 280 staff from its existing premises at Northern Cross, Basing View, later this year. As part of the deal, Skelton Group is upgrading the air conditioning to a new VRF system and installing EV charging points, as well as modifying the existing fit-out on both floors. The deal is thought to be the largest office letting in Basingstoke town centre for five years. Simon Keefe, director at Skelton Group, said: “The adaptation and reuse of most of the existing fit-out has delivered BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions significant financial and environmental savings that could not be achieved elsewhere. “This letting comes on the back of recent lease renewals with existing tenants Once for All and Creditlink Account Recovery Solutions, leaving only one fully fitted suite of 6,100 sq ft available. The other occupier in the building is global infrastructure and environmental consultancy Aecom.” Rachel Appleton, director at BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, said: ’’We had been based at our Basing View building since the early 1990s, and we wanted to move to more modern, environmentally friendly premises in keeping with our corporate objectives. “Midpoint ticks all the boxes for us by offering a new and modern reception area, flexible floor plates with good natural light, generous parking and close proximity to the train station and local shops. This, coupled with the enhancements being undertaken by Skelton Group as part of the deal, made Midpoint the preferred option, and we look forward to our move there later this year.” Andrew Newman, consultant at joint letting agent Hollis Hockley, said: “Despite current uncertainties in the office market, this deal demonstrates that there continues to be demand for a good-quality product in the right location. Availability of good-quality space in Basingstoke town centre is limited, particularly in the 10,000-20,000 sq ft range.” Baker Davidson Thomas was the joint letting agent alongside Hollis Hockley for Skelton Group. BNP Paribas Real Estate advised Leasing Solutions. To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@eg.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @EGPropertyNews Discover which agents have been most active in Hampshire so far this year >> Photo © Baker Davidson Thomas