The international law firm came to us because their lease was expiring, and they hadn’t moved for 35 years. They needed our help to create a strategy where their real estate would make a bold statement about who they are, recognise the shift in work patterns and keep within their budget. We worked closely with them on their workplace strategy to understand their new ways of working and ideal wishlist, making sure we were thinking ahead, so their new HQ would be fit for the future.
Location wise, the preference was to be close to Liverpool Street, but we widened the search to explore on and off market options, particularly as suitable space was in low supply and there was a lot of activity from other law firms also looking to move.
We identified 25 Moorgate as perfect in terms of location but as importantly, it gave them plenty of outdoor space with a roof terrace, terraces on several floors and the opportunity for strong external branding, street presence, and their own front door.
Sustainability was high on Watson Farley & Williams’ agenda and 25 Moorgate is a best in class example. Not just through its credentials: BREEAM, NABERS and WELL, but through its reuse of materials, rainwater harvesting and an all-electric system for generating renewable energy.
We met all their criteria and secured a pre-let of a first class building on a delayed lease commencement date, to minimise double overheads and align with their lease expiry in 2026.
This project is a great example of how working in partnership with our client and understanding their business and financial requirements, we found a building which exceeded their expectations.
