Stanhope and the Swiss Investment Foundation AFIAA have announced that Bank of Ireland has confirmed it is to relocate its London office to the last vacant floor in Gresham St Paul’s, the 6th floor, with 18,807 sq ft of new, high quality office accommodation in a new green office building on Gresham Street with fantastic views of St Paul’s.
Bank of Ireland is expected to relocate from their existing offices at Bow Bells House in the City of London to new office space in Gresham St Paul’s in H2 2024, joining existing tenants including financial, investment and professional services firm Evelyn Partners and broker Numis Securities.
Bardo Magel, AFIAA Global Head of Asset Management, said; “We believe London is one of the world`s most important and dynamic centres for financial services and the letting to Bank of Ireland completes the final letting at Gresham St Paul’s and demonstrates that it is continuing to deliver what leading occupiers want.
“At Gresham St Paul’s, AFIAA is delivering top premises to top corporate tenants and providing outstanding long term added value to its investors.”
Kevin Darvishi, Senior Development Director at Stanhope, said: “We look forward to welcoming Bank of Ireland to Gresham St Paul’s, a sustainable development which provides a light and air-filled state-of-the art working environment.
“The occupier amenity offers in the building, including the Wi-Fi enabled café, reception and business lounge on the ground floor, provides an enhanced occupier experience and further bolsters the City of London’s reputation as leading the delivery of the ‘office of the future’’.
Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer, Bank of Ireland Group, said: “In determining the best premise for our relocation we assessed a number of key factors to ensure we invested in the right location and building to meet our needs now and for the future.
“Through the relocation to Gresham St Paul’s, we can provide colleagues with a more sustainable and energy efficient office in the centre of the City and in close proximity to a number of key transport links, making it easier for colleagues commuting to the office from across Bank of Ireland Group.
“This modern facility provides a flexible working space that aligns with our hybrid working model and provides colleagues with access to a range of amenities while on site.”
Gresham St Paul’s at 31-45 Gresham Street in the City of London includes approximately 170,000 sq. ft. of prime office space in total over nine floors, with large terraces on the top three floors, at the heart of the financial centre and close to St Paul’s Cathedral and other prominent cultural landmarks.
The design, by Stirling Prize winning architects Wilkinson Eyre, has focused on creating a sustainable building for the future by reusing the existing structure. They have looked to maximise natural light through use of the latest glazing technology, and increase fresh air supply to offer a light and air-filled state-of-the-art working environment. To help cater to modern working practises and promote personal well-being, the ground floor has been designed to provide occupiers with a range of amenities, including a café and business lounge. These will help promote creativity and collaboration amongst occupiers by offering a space to recharge, interact and seek inspiration away from the desk.
The technical specifications of Gresham St Paul’s are second to none, with a WiredScore Platinum rating, Wi-Fi enabled café, reception and business lounge, 254 bike and locker spaces with generous changing and shower facilities, and it is targeting a BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating.
The area around Gresham St Paul’s offers round-the-clock amenities to suit every lifestyle from speciality coffee and craft beer pubs to sophisticated restaurants and bars, as well as innovative health and fitness centres located nearby. The design responds to the changing environment and mix of occupiers in the City, which remains the Global Banking and Finance epicentre but is now also home to one-in-twelve tech, media and telecoms businesses, and a young workforce with 61% aged between 22 and 39.
Gresham St Paul’s is the first development project AFIAA has partnered with Stanhope on: Stanhope were the developers of the original building on the site. Construction commenced in March 2019 at the former headquarters of Schroders to modernise and upgrade the building which now includes 2 retail units and a café open to the public on the ground floor.
Cushman & Wakefield and RX advised Stanhope & AFIAA, and Avison Young advised Bank of Ireland.
