Rapidly expanding law firm Edward Hands and Lewis (EHL) has become the first business to move into the former HMRC office building on St Margaret’s Way, Leicester.
City Gate House, prominently situated just off Leicester’s inner ring road, is now home to EHL’s new dedicated commercial division EHL Commercial Law. With 7,000 sq ft of space over one and a half floors, the building was let to the solicitors’ firm by commercial property agent Innes England acting with joint agent JLL.
EHL, which has taken a five-year lease, has invested £150,000 on re-fitting the building to include gym and break-out areas for its staff.
Currently 15 fee earners are based at the new premises but EHL is aiming to double this number to 30 over the next 12 to 18 months.
Rik Pancholi, head of EHL commercial law, said City Gate House was the ideal site for EHL’s commercial activities.
He said: “EHL has been acting for clients in Leicestershire since 1897 so it seemed fitting that our first dedicated commercial office should be in the city.
“City Gate House is conveniently situated for our staff, clients and visitors. It also has excellent on-site parking, which is difficult to find in the city centre.
“As a firm which is experiencing rapid growth, we are committed to providing the best possible working environment for our staff and continue to make this company one of the best businesses to work for.”
EHL which has offices in London, the Wirral, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as well as across Leicestershire currently employs 150 people. The firm intends to expand to approximately 20 branches by the end of 2016.
Jenny Clarke, associate director at Innes England’s Leicester office, said she was pleased to have helped a well-known and successful law firm advance its expansion plans.
“City Gate House meets EHL’s brief perfectly. It is in a prime location in Leicester city centre close to Highcross and with excellent transport links. It also has the major advantage of on-site parking for about 30 vehicles.”
Over 150 people have booked to attend a launch event at the new premises at the end of April.
