International firm Herbert Smith Freehills has revealed plans to bring all London staff under one roof with a new office in the City.
The firm will bring together its people from two current offices located in the City and Canary Wharf in east London. The new building is at 8 Exchange Square, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station and a stone’s throw from its existing central London base.
Jeremy Walden, executive partner for the UK and EMEA, said the new home will be a ‘state-of-the-art environment that is designed around the needs of our people and clients and perfectly positioned to deliver the next phase of our London success’. The firm is expected to take occupation in 2030.
The development is a joint venture between commercial property company British Land and investment firm GIC. British Land said the venture has signed a 21-year lease agreement with Herbert Smith Freehills for 268,000 sq ft of office space. The building, which is now 60% pre-let, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2029.
Kelly Cleveland, head of real estate at British Land, said Herbert Smith's decision to relocate 'reinforces the strong demand we’re seeing for exceptional workspace in the best locations, which helps people and businesses thrive'.
The firm’s move away from Canary Wharf is the latest example of a leading firm ditching its Docklands base to relocate back to the Square Mile.
Magic circle firm Clifford Chance is set to leave its Canary Wharf headquarters in 2028 to move to Upper Bank Street. In 2022, US firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom relocated to Bishopsgate after spending 25 years in Canary Wharf.
1 Reader's comment