AXA IM Alts has agreed on a letting at 22 Bishopsgate with The Korea Development Bank.

The bank takes about 13,000 sq ft of space on a 10-year lease. This deal brings 22 Bishopsgate to 60% let, with further space under offer and a strong pipeline, reflecting strong occupier interest following the easing of restrictions last month.

It is the third lease to be agreed upon since the building reached practical completion in December 2020. 783,000 sq ft of the building is now let to 16 occupiers, eight of whom have already completed their office fit-outs and are beginning to welcome staff to their new workspaces following the lifting of restrictions and removal of the working from home guidance. A further five occupiers across ten floors are preparing space for occupancy as the year progresses.

Situated on the 11th floor, The Korea Development Bank will benefit from access to over 120,000 sq ft of shared space and amenities throughout the building.

This includes ‘The Market’ – 22 Bishopsgate’s 20,000 sq ft food hub, run in partnership with leading hospitality group, Rhubarb; ‘The Exchange’ – a central innovation centre; as well as business events and conference space. The building incorporates state-of-the-art technology to support productive and agile working and offers touchless entry systems as well as an app that allows residents to book gym classes, pre-order food and drink, and manage the meeting room booking system. Additionally, 22 Bishopsgate has an emphasis on people and well-being, and offers London’s first ‘sky-wall’ climbing window at 125 metres above ground, as well as a wellbeing centre and Active Commuter Park with storage for up to c. 1,700 bikes. The building is also home to the capital’s highest free-to-access public viewing gallery, as well as a restaurant and bar, with art interventions throughout.

Phillip Shalless, Senior Asset Manager at AXA IM Alts, commented: “Attracting a prestigious financial services firm as the Korea Development Bank is a further endorsement of 22 Bishopsgate’s appeal to a diverse range of businesses, with leasing activity gathering momentum following the easing of restrictions in March. As businesses continue to evaluate the types of workspaces they want to occupy post-pandemic, we have seen a substantive uptick in occupier enquiries, with best-in class amenities, smart technology and sustainability credentials continuing to prove attractive in driving leasing momentum. KDB has started its own fit out and we look forward to welcoming the business and its staff next year.”