Provider of award-winning creative and development services to the video games industry, Sumo Group have pre-let 44,000 sq.ft. in Valeo Capital’s conversion at the former House of Fraser department store in Leamington Spa. The scheme renamed as Bedford Street Studios will, on completion, deliver circa 65,000 sq.ft. of high quality Grade A office and creative studio space in the heart of the town centre.
Knight Frank and Savills are acting on behalf of Valeo Capital who have been working to transform the former department store into a destination for office occupiers specialising in sectors such as gaming, technology, and media.
Sumo Group has taken the entire 1st and 2nd floors of the building and will use the space for office and design studios. Expecting to employ over 400 staff at the building, the move is a huge vote of confidence to the town and its status as the leading home for the UK gaming industry.
Bedford Street Studios is designed to provide businesses with a contemporary workplace experience. The internal accommodation offers open plan workspace with lots of natural light as well as 65,000 sq ft of Grade B, BREEAM ‘Very Good’ office space. The building boasts a games room, roof terrace with views across Leamington Spa and the countryside and best-in-class occupier amenity space.
Jamie Phillips, Partner at Knight Frank said: “Bedford Street Studios’ best-in-class credentials are proving to be a real selling point. With its energy efficient design and outstanding ESG offer the building is resonating with occupiers looking to move forward after COVID by offering an unrivalled working environment for their staff.”
Matt Doyle from Valeo Capital said: “We are delighted that Sumo Group have chosen to expand one of its businesses which is based in Leamington relocating them to Bedford Street Studios. Our aim is to create best in class offices at the former House of Fraser store that was in need of significant investment. Securing Sumo as an occupier is a key milestone in revitalising the town centre and attracting new talent to Leamington Spa.”
Gavin Black, of Naylors Gavin Black who advised Sumo Group said: “Sumo considered a number of properties as part of their search but found the Bedford Street studios concept and design most suited for their purposes.”
Paul Porter, COO,Sumo Group said: “This new space in Leamington Spa will provide a state-of-the-art base for our people and businesses in Leamington Spa as we look towards our future of work and our continued expansion here at Sumo Group.”
The remaining office space at Bedford Street Studios is being jointly marketed by Knight Frank and Savills.