SXSW signs for east London space ahead of debut European event

SXSW London, the UK branch of the company behind the Texas-based South by Southwest festival, has signed a lease for a new office in Shoreditch ahead of its festival in the area next year. Currently based in Soho Works in the Tea Building at 56 Shoreditch High Street, E1, the company will take the entire second floor of 67-71 Shoreditch High Street, E1, owned by the Rumi Foundation, a charity set up by philanthropist Lords Rumi Verjee. The company will move in October 2025. The lease for 3,631 sq ft was taken on assignment from AI company PhysicsX with a reversion premium given as part of the deal, amounting to a rent price of £55 per sq ft. The SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, has hosted speeches from Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen and Anthony Bourdain, as well as a performances from musicians such as Billie Eilish, Stormzy and Dua Lipa. Earlier this year SXSW announced London as the location for its first European festival following its debut in Sydney last month. The festival for entrepreneurs and creatives will run from 2-7 June 2025 and take place in venues in Shoreditch and Spitalfields, including Shoreditch Town Hall, Village Underground and 93 Feet East. Belcor advised SXSW; CoreProp Group advised the Rumi Foundation. See lettings information in London E1 >> Photo © Scott Moore/Shutterstock