Kings Cross N1C Development lands first commercial tenancy

Hoare Lea, the award winning British engineering consultancy have become the first commercial occupier to take office space at the N1C development in Kings Cross, London, company representatives announced early today.

The company have taken a 15 year lease of 2000m² of office space in the Western Transit Shed, an early Victorian listed building that has undergone extensive refurbishment work in anticipation of interest from potential clients. Architects, Stanton Williams and Weedon Partnership, have been cautious enough to preserve the historic elements of the site, while providing an inspirational, creative and exceptional working environment for the 21^st century.

The new offices will provide workspace for 165 of the company’s engineers, including support staff and management personnel. The offices encompass open-plan office space, meeting and conference rooms, which the firm will utilise to deliver its national and international agenda.

Hoare Lee are aiming for their new offices to attain a Gold SKA rating, and are currently working closely with asset manager Argent to ensure their fit-out meets the standards required.

The Western Transit Shed is part of an extensive regeneration program currently underway in the heart of Kings Cross, London. Once complete the mixed-use development will include 50 new buildings, 2,000 new homes, 20 new streets and 10 public squares, all within the 76 acre site. According to statistics from www.kingscross.co.uk, approximately 45,000 people will use the area to live, work and study.

Richard Godwin, senior writer from the Evening Standard Magazine, said: "The King's Cross project is the largest area of urban redevelopment in Europe and it will include the largest new street in London since Kingsway in 1904; the largest public square since Trafalgar Square in 1845."

Commenting on the firm's new office, London management partner for Hoare Lea, Miles Freeman said: “We are very enthusiastic about our move to the Western Transit Shed. The new office provides a truly wonderful working environment for our staff and improves the facilities we can offer our clients.

"Hoare Lea celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012, and our move marks the start of an exciting new era for the firm. We are confident that the team will continue to grow and build on our success, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our new office."

[caption id="attachment_13044" align="aligncenter" width="441"] Inside the Western Transit Shed. Photo courtesy of www.kingscross.co.uk/[/caption]