AXA IM Alts has let the entire 25,376 sq ft 42nd floor to insurance specialist Fidelis.

The developer reports a significant uplift in occupier enquiries since lockdown restrictions began to ease in March, as well as increasing demand from businesses post COVID for prime amenity-rich and technology-led office space with strong wellbeing and sustainability credentials.

Fidelis has taken a 10-year lease with additional flexibility, starting in September 2021 and is expecting to move in April 2022.

60% of the building is now let to 14 occupiers. Eight of them have already completed the office fit outs and are beginning to welcome staff. Six more companies across 10 floors are preparing space for occupancy this year.

Fidelis chose 22 Bishopsgate for the building’s focus on sustainability and wellbeing, including a dog friendly policy, as well as the broad range of amenities it offers.

22 Bishopsgate provides over 120,000 sq ft of common facilities space including a 20,000 sq ft food hub called ‘The Market’ on the second floor, run in partnership with leading hospitality group, Rhubarb, which is now open to occupiers and soon the public. 22 Bishopsgate will also feature an innovation hub – ‘The Exchange’; a gym with London’s first ‘sky-wall’ climbing window at 125 metres above ground on the 25th floor; a wellbeing space on the 41st floor known as The Retreat; auditoria and business events space and services.

The building includes an active commuter park with storage for up to 1,700 bikes including repair facilities, electric charging points and changing facilities, as well as the capital’s highest free public viewing gallery, and restaurant and bar.

Phillip Shalless, Senior Asset Manager at AXA IM Alts, commented: “As we have begun to emerge from the pandemic we have seen a significant increase in interest in 22 Bishopsgate driven by a more acute focus from occupiers on ensuring that they have the best quality and most sustainable space for their people. From the outset we have aimed to deliver a differentiated and customer service-led product which is geared towards making the office lives of residents more productive and more enjoyable. It was this focus and the attention to small details and especially our dog friendly policy that made the difference for Fidelis and we look forward to welcoming them to our growing community.”

JLL and CBRE acted for 22 Bishopsgate while Savills advised Fidelis.