The Shard skyscraper wins new letting after poaching fintech firm from the City
The developers behind the Shard skyscraper at London Bridge have secured another letting after poaching fintech firm Sapphire Systems from the City.
The global software solutions firm has agreed to take 15,700 square feet of office space on level nine of the tower, City PM can reveal. It is understood to be paying in the region of £65 per sq ft.
The highest rent achieved so far in the building has been for the entire 26th floor of the 72-floor building, which was let to German-listed IT company Leonteq Securities for over £90 per sq ft.
London Bridge, Borough and the Southbank have become popular hubs for tech firms seeking more affordable rents and better transport links into and around the capital. According to research by accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young, Borough and Bankside are the third and fourth most popular places to start a business after Old Street and City Road, thanks the the regeneration the area has seen.
Ian Caswell, chief executive of Sapphire Systems, which is moving from the Northern & Shell building in the City, said: “We are delighted to be moving to The Shard. The excellent transport links and vibrant local neighbourhood will be of great benefit to our staff."
Sapphire Systems is The Shard’s eleventh letting this year, with only four complete floors remaining, starting at £60 per square feet in price. Other tenants include Robert Half UK, Duff & Phelps, Al Jazeera and Campari Group.
Irvine Sellar, the developer behind the The Shard, said: “Our vision for The Shard was always to create a vertical city that unites an array of progressive companies from different industry sectors, to create an energetic and sustainable business eco-system. Sapphire Systems accentuates this strategy and will join a host of industry leaders already occupying the building."