A further 47,021 sq ft has been let at The Shard following agreements with two new occupiers and the expansion of an existing tenancy.
International law firm Greenberg Traurig, which operates in the UK as Greenberg Traurig Maher (GTM), is due to take 19, 785 sq ft of office space when it relocates from its current London address to Level 8 of The Shard.
The multi-practice firm will be joined by an as yet un-named international software company (reported by some media outlets to be Sage), which is set to become the fifth business from the technology and media sector to join the occupier line-up at The Shard.
The company has agreed terms on 9,574 sq ft on Level 17 currently occupied by infrastructure and private equity investment manager Foresight Group, which will almost double its presence at The Shard when it relocates to the entire Level 23 in October.
Foresight Group Chairman, Bernard Fairman, says that the company’s expansion to its new 17,170 sq ft home is due to business growth which he attributes to ‘The Shard Effect’.
“The Shard is known throughout the world, and by moving here we were making a pretty profound statement, that we think we’re the best at what we do, and we’re in the best building in Europe.
“I have not looked back for one moment since we have come here. There’s a significant benefit both in terms of staff morale and in terms of the way your business is perceived by customers – even by your competitors. You enjoy the experience and feel proud to come into work every day,” he said.
The Shard’s developer and co-owner, Irvine Sellar, and Leasing Director of REM James Goldsmith, commented: “We are delighted that GTM will be relocating its London operations to The Shard, and that one of the UK’s largest software companies has selected The Shard for its London base.
“It’s pleasing to see what a positive impact The Shard has on our occupiers’ business performance and their ability to attract the best talent, and especially delighted we can accommodate Foresight’s growth within the building.”
The Shard is now home to 22 companies spanning a dozen industry sectors, including finance, professional services, media, consulting, healthcare and education. A total of 9,500 people currently work at London Bridge Quarter, the estate comprising The Shard and the adjacent News UK building.
