A team of real estate experts from international law firm Gowling WLG has advised Royal London on its move to its new Square Mile headquarters at 80 Fenchurch Street, Central London.
The mutual insurer will occupy five floors in the building, taking 55,000 square feet of grade-A office space, and the move aligns with the wave of companies returning to the Square Mile following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions earlier in the summer.
The legal team from Gowling WLG provided essential advice relating to the letting, helping to collectively facilitate the landmark move for the insurer. The team was led by real estate partner, Felicity Lindsay who was supported by senior associate, Claudia Orpin and principal associate, Tom Thurgood on real estate. Partner, Paul Green and principal associate, Hannah Daeche advised on construction while senior associate, Dougal Ainsley inputted on planning.
Commenting on the deal, Felicity Lindsay said:
"It has been a pleasure for the team and me to work alongside Royal London to provide advice as part of the overall package facilitating this significant office move. Larger companies especially still derive a significant level of brand equity in the market from their office buildings and this deal is the latest evidence of that. While employee health and safety and COVID-19 awareness is at the heart of the way they are now managed day-to-day, it is fantastic to see the return to offices continuing in earnest."
"The premises also reflect modern sustainability requirements, which are key to occupiers in this market, with sustainability and smart technology embedded throughout; this has helped achieve BREEAM 'Excellent' and WiredScore platinum ratings."
Gowling WLG's offices team has advised on millions of square feet of office space across the full real estate lifecycle. Their experience includes representing UK and overseas institutional investors, asset managers, developers, banks, public bodies and corporations in their HQ relocation projects, office pre-lets, investments, disposals, developments and general corporate real estate. Drawing on the knowledge of professionals from across the firm's many practice areas, the team offers full-service support and works in partnership with clients to ensure they meet key objectives.