Aldermore Bank has inked a deal for a larger London headquarters in the City, in a move set to encourage more staff into the office post-pandemic.
The lender will take the 24th floor, comprising just over 13,100 square feet, at property giant British Land’s Broadgate Tower next to Liverpool Street station.
The specially designed workspace will also feature a business lounge and gym. Aldermore considers the space, which will open to team members in mid-May, a high-quality area suitable for better project collaboration.
The office will be used by around 150 of the firm’s London employees and it is relocating from approximately 7,500 square feet near Bank station.
While some businesses are looking to reduce space as hybrid working becomes increasingly popular and less permanent desks are needed, Duncan McIntyre, Aldermore’s HR and real estate director said the letting “will allow more colleagues to come together in person and build great new services and products for our customers”.
He added: “Last year we launched a new, ambitious growth strategy for Aldermore and so we’re happy to announce that as we take a fresh direction we’re moving to a bright, new, high-end office for our London HQ.”
Details of the expansion by the bank, which is owned by South African financial firm FirstRand Group, come after it last month said customer numbers reached over 800,000 in the first half to December 31, up from 690,000 in the same period a year earlier.
Patrick Brown, a director at CBRE which advised the tenant, said: “The 35-storey Broadgate Tower delivers on our client’s list of requirements, centred around creating an exceptional working environment for employees. Its excellent location, expansive views across the city and light-filled plaza make it a compelling offering and furthermore, presents an exciting next step for Aldermore.”
A new report from occupier advisory firm DeVono said the financial sector took the most office space in London in 2022, accounting for 28% of leasing.
However Shaun Dawson, the firm’s head of insights said “maintaining such a pace in 2023 could be hampered as wider industry uncertainty filters through into the decision-making process”.
