Fora, the flexible workspace provider that forms part of The Office Group, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a management agreement with Oxford Properties to open a new workspace at the iconic Blue Fin Building, in the heart of London’s Bankside.
The Blue Fin Building is owned by a joint venture between Oxford Properties and Temasek. Fora has partnered with the landlord to deliver flexible workspace in the building, as well as conference space and event facilities for the benefit of all the building’s occupiers.
The space will span level one and part of level two of the property, covering 43,300 sq ft in total. Opening is currently scheduled for autumn 2023. Once complete, the workspace will offer high-quality private offices – for businesses of all shapes and sizes – as well as board rooms and event space, which will also be available to non-residents to book.
Fora aims to reimagine the workspace experience by bringing together the best elements of modern offices, hotels, members’ clubs and flexible workspaces under one roof. Fora is designed for clients who recognise that an office is not a commodity, but a vital element in creating communities, collaboration and fostering employee wellbeing.
The new location will be Fora’s 19th, and The Office Group’s 73rd. It sits directly adjacent to The Tate Modern at Bankside – a creative and cultural hub, just across the river from the City and a few minutes’ walk from London Bridge and Borough Market.
Residents will benefit from a host of exciting, communal amenities at the Blue Fin Building – including two cafés, a bar and a 10th floor terrace – with panoramic views across London. The new workspace will bring more amenities and services and complement what is at Blue Fin today, attracting new companies and sectors to the building.
The interior will take cues from the local area and history, with injections of colour and art in a more industrial base. Design will enhance productivity, without compromising on comfort and wellbeing. A large, glass-roofed central atrium brings natural light into the centre of the floorplate, creating an open, spacious feel.
Fora remains committed to sustainable practice, which has been prioritised in the design. The building has achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, and Fora’s fitout will see elements of the existing structure and design reused or recycled.
Enrico Sanna, CEO of The Office Group, commented:
“Our workspaces are designed for those who recognise the new reality: the office is no longer just a commodity. It’s vital for collaboration, productivity and wellbeing – a place that draws employees together.
“Our workspace at the Blue Fin Building speaks directly to this need. Well-designed, in a vibrant location and with unrivalled amenities, it places employee experience at its core; it’s somewhere people will choose to be. It will be a fantastic addition to The Office Group’s expanding portfolio.
“We’re seeing demand for flexible space remain healthy and it is now considered a critical risk management tool by many businesses. Flexible space enables businesses to scale space up and down quickly, as needed, adapting to the changing needs of modern, agile teams.
“Management agreements like this represent significant growth potential and form a core part of our strategy. We’re excited to be working with Oxford Properties, a partner who understand our ethos and approach.”
Pierre Leocadio, Senior Vice President, Head of Investments – Europe at Oxford Properties, added:
“We recognise that more businesses are looking for amenity-rich offices that deliver high quality space – that foster collaboration and creativity while offering flexibility.
“Fora is known for its high standard of design, hospitality and customer wellbeing and service, which fits perfectly with Oxford’s approach to providing workplaces that enhance the employee experience. This, grouped together with The Office Group’s long-standing experience in the flex market, will be complementary to Blue Fin’s offer to both new and existing customers.
“We are excited to partner with The Office Group and the final product will create new opportunities to attract and retain an exciting and diverse range of occupiers, to add to the energy and vitality of this first-class building.
“Located in the heart of London, occupiers will be able to enjoy flexibility, amenities and wellness, transport connectivity, panoramic views and high quality office accommodation.”
The Blue Fin building is well-connected – sitting within a 10-minute walk of London Bridge, Borough, Waterloo, Blackfriars and Southwark stations – meaning quick access to National Rail and Thameslink routes, as well as the District & Circle, Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines. It also sits close to an unrivalled line-up of restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as some of London’s leading cultural attractions, including Shakespeare’s Globe, The Southbank Centre and The National Theatre.
The management agreement follows four other agreements, covering 13 locations across The Office Group’s portfolio – including with Argent and AustralianSuper’s King’s Cross, Duke Street Property at Parcels Building on Oxford Street – as well its JV with Network Rail on workspace close to major stations.
