British Land has let three floors at 4 Kingdom Street to software company Finastra, and the office space is now 89% let or under offer.
Finastra, formed in 2017 by the combination of Misys and D+H, develops software for financial institutions, including 48 of the world’s 50 largest banks. The company has signed a ten year lease to occupy the first, second and third floors at 4 Kingdom Street, totalling 42,400 sq ft.
The announcement follows the formal launch of 4 Kingdom Street on 28 June. The building, which provides 147,000 sq ft across nine floors, is the first building to be developed by British Land at Paddington Central. The building reached practical completion in April 2017.
On acquiring the campus 2013, British Land appointed architects Allies and Morrison to review and update an existing planning consent for 4 Kingdom Street. The revised design includes the relocation of the core to increase the openness and flexibility of the floorplates, the introduction of large outside terraces on Levels 2 to 9, and the creation of a ‘glass pod’ on each floor which provides flexible meeting space outside the main floorplate and offers views across west London.
The building also features an active roof terrace including a café, outdoor seating area and London’s highest basketball court.
Tim Roberts, Head of Offices and Residential at British Land, said: “It is a tremendous achievement to be 89 per cent let or under offer as we formally present the space to market.
“The commitment from Finastra and strength of interest in the other floors is an endorsement of our decision to re-configure the building to deliver greater flexibility, more collaborative spaces and a truly unique roof space, along with the substantial improvements we’ve made to the campus environment.
“We believe the delivery of 4 Kingdom Street is well-timed given the lack of supply in the West End market, and the arrival of Crossrail at Paddington in 2018, and hope to announce further occupier commitments in the near future.”
Paddington Central comprises 11 acres and is home to leading international businesses including Microsoft, Vodafone, Shire, VISA and Prudential.
British Land acquired part of the Paddington Central office campus for £470 million in 2013 and completed the purchase of One Sheldon Square for £210 million in 2015. Since then, the company has invested nearly £100 million in transforming of the public realm and the construction of 4 Kingdom Street.
In May al-fresco dining experience Pergola opened a new 850-capacity venue at Paddington Central, and British Land is continuing to develop a new retail and leisure offer at the campus.
Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE are the joint agents on 4 Kingdom Street. CBRE advised Finastra.