AXA IM-Real Assets has let a 102,000 sq ft of space across four floors at 22 Bishopsgate to Convene.

The New York-based company will open a bespoke meeting, conference and event venue, as well as on-demand flexible workspaces in its first location outside of the USA. Over 415,000 sq ft of the 1.275 million sq ft 22 Bishopsgate has now been pre-leased. The addition of the Convene space doubles the amount of amenity space provided at 22 Bishopsgate to over 200,000 sq ft. AXA IM - Real Assets is developing 22 Bishopsgate on behalf of an international consortium of investors, with Lipton Rogers Developments retained as developer.

When Convene’s new premises open in September 2020, it will offer a variety of services for 22 Bishopsgate’s occupiers and the wider London business community. Levels three and four will house a new 51,000 sq ft events and meeting venue available for use by the hour or day. The space will offer a multitude of meeting and event spaces to host conferences, board meetings, town halls, product launches, panels, and networking receptions with room capacities of 30 to 300+ people. All spaces will include high-spec, built-in technology with full-time I.T. support, as well as five-star hospitality support via a full commercial kitchen and on-site culinary and event production teams.

Levels five and six will accommodate a 51,000 sq ft ‘Convene WorkPlace’ which will offer flexible, on-demand project workspace and office suites for small to mid-sized companies. Convene WorkPlace membership includes hospitality services, spacious communal areas, award-winning chefs, reliable and secure technology, and the finest design touches in a distraction-free environment.

Alongside Convene’s facilities, 22 Bishopsgate will also provide a further c. 100,000 sq ft of integrated social spaces and services for its occupiers, including a first of its kind innovation hub for small businesses and start-ups on level seven. A 22,000 sq ft area of food and dining space, known as The Market, will be provided on level two and managed by Rhubarb and Young British Foodies.

Further amenities which aim to create an inspiring, healthy and energising workplace for a diverse business workforce of 12,000 people include London’s largest cycle park, a gym with climbing window 125m above ground and class-based activity on Level 25 and a wellbeing retreat on Level 41. 22 Bishopsgate will also offer a members’ club on level 57, and a restaurant and bar on floors 59-60. When it opens in 2020, 22 Bishopsgate will also be home to London’s highest public viewing gallery on Level 58 and a curated art walk on the ground floor.

Convene CEO and Co-Founder, Ryan Simonetti commented: “For Convene’s first international location, we’re excited to partner with a progressive landlord that shares our vision for the future of the workplace. 22 Bishopsgate is an incredibly unique, human-centric work destination with inspiring community and amenity spaces integrated throughout the building, making it the perfect fit for Convene. Flexible, serviced workplaces have already had a tremendous impact in Central London, and Convene’s newest flagship location at 22 Bishopsgate will support companies requiring premium on-demand meeting and event spaces, as well as occupiers looking for hospitality-infused workspaces that offer the flexibility to expand and contract as business cycles change.”

Harry Badham, Head of UK Development at AXA IM - Real Assets, said: “The role of the office has changed and, with an increasing understanding of the correlation between wellbeing and productivity, workplaces now need to do so much more than simply accommodate people. Convene is a very important addition to the 22 Bishopsgate community, doubling the amount of amenity space and providing a new events venue for London. The fact that Convene has chosen 22 Bishopsgate as its first international location also underlines our shared vision of the workplace of the future and London’s continued role as a world leading centre of business.”

Convene was represented in-house by CBRE. 22 Bishopsgate was represented by JLL.