A further 47,021 sq ft of office space in 3 new lettings at The Shard comprises the expansion of an existing tenancy and two new occupiers, as interest in the office space remains strong.
International law firm Greenberg Traurig, which operates in London as Greenberg Traurig Maher (“GTM”) will relocate its London office to Level 8 of The Shard taking 19,785 sq ft of space. The international, multi-practice law firm has approximately 1,800 attorneys serving clients from 37 offices worldwide.
An as yet un-named international software company is to let 9,574 sq ft of space, the fifth company operating within the technology and media sector to take space at The Shard.
The software company will move into part level 17. This space is currently occupied by Foresight Group, who in a separate transaction is relocating to level 23 and almost doubling its presence in the building, citing growth from what its Chairman calls ‘The Shard Effect’. The company moved into The Shard in May 2014, relocating from Sevenoaks, and in October will expand and relocate into 17,710 sq ft, taking the whole floor on level 23. Foresight Group is a leading independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager. It has more than £1.5bn of assets under management spread across 20 funds and offices in San Francisco, Rome, Nottingham and Guernsey.
Bernard Fairman, Group Chairman, Foresight Group, said: “Our expansion, which will double our footprint in the building, is indicative of what we call ‘The Shard Effect’, a term we coined to explain the positive impact our new office has had on business growth. The Shard is known throughout the world, and by moving here we were making a pretty profound statement, that we think we’re the best at what we do, and we’re in the best building in Europe.”
Irvine Sellar, The Shard’s developer, co-owner, and vice-chairman of REM and James Goldsmith, Leasing Director of REM, said: “We are delighted that GTM will be relocating its London operations to The Shard, and that one of the UK’s largest software companies has selected The Shard for its London base. It’s pleasing to see what a positive impact The Shard has had on our occupiers’ business performance and their ability to attract the best talent, and especially delighted we can accommodate Foresight’s growth within the building.”
The Shard’s office space is now home to 22 companies across 12 industry sectors, including media, finance, professional services, consulting, luxury brand, education, flexible offices, energy, technology, healthcare, recruitment and asset management. Around 9,500 people now work at London Bridge Quarter, the vibrant estate comprising The Shard and the adjacent News UK headquarters building.
Source: The Shard www.the-shard.com