British Land insists that the structural integrity of The Leadenhall Building has not been compromised by the two fractured bolts that fell from the City skyscraper in November. The company also revealed that a third falling bolt was recently caught by precautionary tethering installed following the initial incident.
In a statement British Land says that contractor Laing O’Rourke and structural engineers Arup have now completed their investigations.
These confirm that the problem has been caused by a crack growth mechanism limited to ‘certain bolts’ used in the construction of the building. Arup is confident that the issue has had ‘no adverse effect’ on the structure but, as a precautionary measure, a number of bolts are now scheduled to be replaced.
The update coincides with the confirmation that the building’s architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), have signed a 15 year lease, with a 10 year break, for the 18,000 sq ft 14th floor of The Leadenhall Building.
The deal with RSHP is part of 93,400 sq ft of leasing activity taking place at the ‘Cheesegrater’ recently. A further five floors are reported to be under offer, bringing the total office space let or under offer to around 70 per cent.
Discussing the imminent arrival of RSHP Tim Roberts, Head of Offices at British Land, said: “RSHP have been a valued partner throughout the conception and delivery of The Leadenhall Building and we’re delighted they have chosen to relocate to the building.
“Their decision and the ongoing interest we are seeing reflects both the attractions of the building and the changing face of the City, appealing to an increasingly diverse mix of occupiers.”
Mike Rayner, Head of Development at joint owners Oxford Properties, added: “RSHP are one of the world’s leading architecture practices and their decision to move to The Leadenhall Building provides the ultimate endorsement.
“This is a world class building, which is attracting high calibre occupiers across a broad range of sectors.”
The partners at RSHP say they are delighted to become the latest tenants of a building that reflects the ethos and evolution of their design practice – it faces partner Richard Rogers’ Grade I listed Lloyds Building completed in 1986.
The move to The Leadenhall Building marks a new phase in the practice’s history and already feels like home, they add, offering the “advatages of a contemporary, flexible office space in a prime location in the increasingly vibrant and exciting City of London.”
Previous Post
Gym Chain poised to ‘Further disrupt the Leisure Industry’ after successful Funding Pitch
