Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP, advised by Knight Frank, and China Overseas Holdings Limited, advised by BH2, have agreed a five-year extension on c.160,000 sq ft at 1 Finsbury Circus, EC2.
Stephenson Harwood has committed to extend its current leases at the City Core building, located directly opposite the new CrossRail station at Moorgate, to 2030.
The firm has also taken an additional 8,500 sq ft at 1 Finsbury Circus, signing a lease for the currently vacant first floor and handing back the smaller eighth floor. It will be occupied by the business services teams, who currently occupy the eighth floor, and some lawyers – the first time the firm’s lawyers have worked ‘open-plan’ in London.
Working with Knight Frank’s property and workplace consultants, Stephenson Harwood’s new workspace will include designated areas for individual teams, collaboration spaces and smaller offices for private meetings.
1 Finsbury Circus is a Grade II* listed historic City building fronting the northwest quadrant of the Circus oval.
Eifion Morris, CEO of Stephenson Harwood said: “I’m really excited about this deal, it has so many benefits. The first: it allows us to fulfil our ambitious strategy to grow the firm and this deal gives us the space we expect to need in the future as well as ensuring we remain in a building that works really well for us. 1 Finsbury Circus reflects our firm perfectly. It has real impact: it is a grade II* listed Lutyens designed building on the outside with the inside re-configured to provide a very modern office space. It reflects the firm’s brand of being an old firm with a young and ambitious heart.
“I want our people to feel proud to be part of the firm and proud of the way we work. Part of that is our office environment, but even more importantly it’s our culture. We’ve been engaging our people to ensure that we create an environment which fosters greater collaboration and really meets their expectations and needs.”
Jack Tomlin, Partner in London Tenant Representation, at Knight Frank commented: “This transaction demonstrates Stephenson Harwood’s willingness to implement new working practices. The imminent arrival of neighbouring Crossrail brings unrivalled connectivity combined with new amenity, making this location arguably one of the most desirable in the City Core. 1 Finsbury Circus will continue to provide a first class working environment for Stephenson Harwood for the next ten years and beyond.”
