Leasing momentum continues to build at 22 Bishopsgate with 65,000 sq ft leased to Skadden

770,000 sq ft (60%) of the building now let, with strong pipeline capturing occupier interest following the easing of restrictions

AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with c. €162 billion of assets under management¹ , has agreed another significant new letting at 22 Bishopsgate, its flagship London development, having leased 65,000 sq ft of space across three floors to international law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates (“Skadden").  As a result, 22 Bishopsgate is now 60% let, with further space under offer and a strong pipeline that reflects a significant unlocking of occupier demand as restrictions ease and the working from home guidance is lifted. With best-in-class offices in short supply in London, occupier demand for sustainable, adaptable and amenity-rich workspaces has continued to drive leasing momentum. It is the third lease to be agreed since the building reached practical completion in December 2020 and follows the announcement earlier this month that leading specialty, bespoke and (re)insurance business Fidelis will be taking the c. 25,000 sq ft 42nd floor.

Skadden, which is headquartered in New York, is expected to move its 250 strong London team to 22 Bishopsgate in late 2022, where it has agreed a 15-year lease. The move will give the law firm a high-quality, sustainable, and futureproofed workspace that is equipped with best-in class technology for its clients and staff.

Situated on the 38-40th floors, the business 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. 

22 Bishopsgate also has a focus on people and well-being. In addition to its gym, containing London’s first ‘sky-wall’ climbing window at 125 metres above ground, the business will benefit from ‘The Retreat’ – the building’s wellbeing space on the 41st floor, as well as its Active Commuter Park with storage for up to c. 1,700 bikes. 22 Bishopsgate also offers the capital’s highest free-to-access public viewing gallery, as well as a restaurant and bar, with art interventions throughout.

The 15th occupier to commit to the building, Skadden will join a diversified range of businesses representing the technology, sustainable energy, financial, asset management and professional services sectors. Eight occupiers have already completed their office fit outs and are now beginning to welcome staff to their new homes as restrictions continue to lift. A further six companies across 10 floors are preparing space for occupancy as the year progresses.

Phillip Shalless, Senior Asset Manager at AXA IM Alts, said: “Since restrictions began to ease in March, we have seen a material uplift in occupier enquiries, as businesses reflect on the lockdown-experience and seek adaptable space with best-in class amenity and smart technology. 22 Bishopsgate, with its emphasis on providing excellent amenities and smart technology that enable the highest levels of wellbeing and productivity, is ideally suited to Skadden.  This letting to such a prestigious global law firm as Skadden is both a further endorsement of the appeal of 22 Bishopsgate, and highlights the crucial role that the centre of London continues to play in creating the right space for talent and business to thrive. We look forward to Skadden starting its fit out later this year and to welcoming its staff in 2022.” 

22 Bishopsgate has been developed by AXA IM Alts’ market leading Real Assets platform, the leading² real estate portfolio and asset manager in Europe, on behalf of an international consortium of investors, alongside development partner Lipton Rogers Developments.  

JLL advised Skadden.

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About AXA IM Alts 
AXA IM Alts is a global leader in alternative investments with €162 billion of assets under management³ as of 31 March 2021, across real assets (real estate & infrastructure), private debt & alternative credit and private equity & hedge funds. AXA IM Alts employs over 750 people located in 16 offices around the world and serves the needs of more than 350 clients from Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Middle East. We are a global leader in real assets investment with c. €109 billion of assets under management, the number one property portfolio and asset manager in Europe⁴ , and one of the largest worldwide.  
 
About AXA Investment Managers 
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a responsible asset manager, actively investing for the long-term to help its clients, its people and the world to prosper. Our high conviction approach enables us to uncover what we believe to be the best global investment opportunities across alternative and traditional asset classes, managing approximately €869 billion in assets as at the end of March 2021. AXA IM is a leading investor in green, social and sustainable markets, managing €574 billion of ESG-integrated, sustainable and impact assets as at the end of March 2021. We are committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 across all our assets, and integrating ESG principles into our business, from stock selection to our corporate actions and culture. Our goal is to provide clients with a true value responsible investment solution, while driving meaningful change for society and the environment. AXA IM employs over 2,440 employees around the world, operates out of 27 offices across 20 countries and is part of the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management. 
  
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