Taylor Wessing secures major West End pre-let for L&R

Taylor Wessing has acted for London & Regional Properties Limited in securing a major pre-let at L&R's flagship redevelopment of the former Marks & Spencers' headquarters in Baker Street, in London's West End.

The accountancy firm, BDO Stoy Hayward signed up to 165,000 sq feet in the 600,000 sq foot development.  BDO have options to take further space in the scheme, which is scheduled for completion in 2007. 

The L&R development which is a mixture of a refurbishment of existing buildings and the addition of new build, including two vast glass and chrome atria, will rejuvenate Baker Street as an office location and will create a new retail and restaurant frontage of some, 300 feet.

The Taylor Wessing team was led by Keith Barnett and assisted by Lorraine McDonagh and Cosima Lamb.  Barnett said:

“This is one of the largest lettings to have been completed in the West End this year.  There are a large number of issues which arise when dealing with professional firms which are different and often more complex than those affecting corporate HQs.  We were asked to produce a deal which was, on the one hand, institutional but, on the other hand, underlined the client’s determination to provide a first rate, flexible building for its tenant, designed specifically for that tenant’s needs.”

Elizabeth Goss from Olswang represented BDO Stoy Hayward, who will relocate from their existing premises further down Baker Street when the new development is completed.