LaSalle Investment Management and Trilogy Real Estate have completed the refurbishment of The Amp, the new campus for education and innovation in Aldgate E1.

40% of the building was occupied by two pre-let tenants Nottingham Trent University’s Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies and Access Creative College in September 2023.

The building was 66% pre-let as two more floors of the building were let to the London College of Creative Arts (LCCA) ahead of completion.

Allsop advised Trilogy during the leasing to LCCA, and Mark Kleinman at James Andrew International acted for LCCA.

The Amp provides space for education and innovation in a well-connected location, with one foot in central London and the other in the dynamic creative scene in the East of the city. Specialist on-site facilities include recording studios, performance space and an arena for gaming and esports.

Chris Lewis, Managing Director, LaSalle Value-Add Investments, commented: “The Amp is a great example of our venture with Trilogy, which is creating exciting new urban higher education assets to meet the increased demand from universities in gateway cities. 66% of the space has already been leased prior to completion, reinforcing The Amp’s offering as a thriving education and innovation campus.”

“It is part of LaSalle’s broader European value-add strategy, bridging the gap between infrastructure and real estate, with a focus on new economy sectors including urban accommodation, student housing, private medical facilities, distribution and data centres.”

Robert Wolstenholme, Founder and CEO of Trilogy Real Estate, added: “The Amp is the latest example of our strategy to develop the best innovation campuses in the country. Focused on breathing new life into unloved buildings in our city centres and high streets, our goal is well-connected hubs for universities and colleges that offer easier access and more choice for students. Our buildings create opportunities to collaborate and even co-locate with industry, business, the local community and the third sector.

“The Amp has been an ambitious project to take on – we were blessed with a building with good bones, but which needed total modernisation with a 12-month turnaround. It’s testament to the skill of the team and our contractors and designers that the result belies the huge effort that has gone into getting it into tip-top condition in time and on budget. Huge amounts of work have gone into delivering a stunning, bespoke space for our occupiers and, in turn, the students that will be beginning their professional careers in this inspiring and uplifting place.”

Craig Chettle, CEO of Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, commented: “The decision to take a pre-let at The Amp, with such a tight programme to delivery in September 2023, did present a significant challenge for us, but this was more than offset by the potential reward on offer. What has been delivered is a fully bespoke environment for our university courses in a fantastic location for our staff and students, supported by Trilogy’s focus on creating a campus for education that is more than the sum of its parts.

“We’re delighted to be here in the heart of one of East London’s great creative communities. At Confetti, we train our students for a career in the creative and entertainment industries, and being in Aldgate means there’s no shortage of opportunities for students to gain hands-on ‘Do It For Real’ experience. This, combined with the very best technology, studios, equipment and industry-connected tutors, means that students have access to the highest standard of specialist creative higher education."

The new building offers adaptable space for universities, colleges, and businesses for research and innovation. It features welcoming ground floor areas for Access Creative College and Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, each with distinct entrances and public-facing areas for engagement. The refurbishment includes specialised facilities like recording studios, ready for the academic year.

The Amp's rear, previously a warehouse, now houses an auditorium for the Confetti Institute, suitable for various events like live music and esports. Additionally, Access Creative College has a music venue, offering practical experience for its students.

The new multifaceted events space is available providing further dedicated teaching, performance and learning zones.

Contact James Neville at Allsop to find out more +44 (0)7789 658 540.