Barings has let the entirety of its 70,000 sq ft 25 Moorgate office development in the City of London to law firm Watson Farley & Williams (WFW).
WFW has agreed a 15-year lease and is expected to take occupation in summer 2026 following completion of the building’s refurbishment and fit-out.
The law firm’s new London home will feature a roof terrace and club space, seventh floor staff café with terraces, two connected client floors including a business lounge, 159 bicycle spaces with maintenance station and luxurious changing rooms, showers and lockers.
Barings is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 4.5 Star rating and WELL Platinum enabled once the refurbishment is complete, with the retrofitting of the existing building in line with LETI 2030 principles.
Barings acquired the asset on behalf of its Barings Real Estate European Value-Add II (BREEVA II) fund in March 2022 and is refurbishing the space alongside development manager LBS Properties and architects Morrow + Lorraine.
Paul Smith, director, UK asset management, at Barings Real Estate, said: “That a firm of the calibre of Watson Farley & Williams is taking the entirety of the office space in 25 Moorgate is a testament both to the building’s quality and the WFW team’s vision for creating an exceptional experience for its colleagues and any visiting clients. 25 Moorgate, nestled in the heart of the city and benefitting from its excellent transport links and amenities, sets the standard for city centre office development and refurbishment schemes. It was a pleasure working with the team to agree this deal and look forward to welcoming WFW to its new home.”
Lindsey Keeble, WFW managing partner, added: “We’re excited to have signed with Barings on such a fantastic new home for our 500+ people in London as their team’s vision and passion for 25 Moorgate aligns perfectly with our firm’s sustainability goals and agile working and staff wellbeing policies. I’m really looking forward to moving in, when we will also be bidding a fond farewell to 15 Appold Street which has been our home since 1992.”
JLL and Cushman & Wakefield represented Barings and WFW was represented by Squarebrook.
