Global consultancy firm Steer signs ten-year lease for over 17,000 sq ft of office space
Southworks sets a benchmark for commercial office developments as we look to a
safe and social return to the office
MiddleCap has secured Steer as its first tenant for Southworks, the landmark smart office building in London.
The consultancy firm has signed a ten-year lease for over 17,000 sq ft of the new development, including part of the ground floor and the entire first floor.
Steer selected Southworks as part of its commitment to being net zero by 2025. The building, which has been named as “the smartest office in the world” at the Real Estate & Building Futureproof awards, brings together technological and natural features to form a landmark post-pandemic, future-proofed office. Sustainability, natural elements in combination with latest technology prioritise wellbeing and enhance an optimum space for companies, employees and the environment.
Steer, which comprises commercial, economic, technical and planning consultants, will be moving its team of over 200 London-based consultants into Southworks from early 2022, having previously been based in Upper Ground, Southbank.
Developed by MiddleCap and designed by SPPARC, Southworks is a seven-storey, 70,000 sq ft scheme located on Rushworth Street in Southwark, close to Borough Market.
Southworks became the first UK building to achieve the Smart Building Certification Platinum certificate, only the second globally, and is on target to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating.
The new building features a number of technologically innovative measures (more info below), which when combined with high-quality architecture and design elements, create a responsive and productive environment that enhances users’ safety and wellbeing.
Tomáš Jurdák, Head of Real Estate at MiddleCap, said:
“Securing Steer as our first tenant is a huge testament to what we have achieved at Southworks, our first commercial development in London. Our commitment to sustainability and our aim to combine natural elements with top notch technology truly sets the building apart as an exemplary workspace that increase wellbeing and serves employees, the environment and the city, which is attracting interest from occupiers across a whole range of sectors.
“As we return to our offices over the coming months, we’re looking forward to seeing the new business community come to life at Southworks.”
Sharon Daly, COO at Steer, said:
“Our commitment to being a net zero company by 2025 meant that we had demanding criteria for our new office space. We are pleased that Southworks, with its smart and sustainable technological features, ticked all of our boxes. MiddleCap has developed an innovative building and we can’t wait to move into our new home next year.”
Knight Frank and Addleshaw Goddard advised MiddleCap while Hanover Green acted for Steer.
Smart features
Embedded with an Internet of Things (IoT) technology developed by Dutch proptech company bGrid, Southworks features a central sensor platform functioning as the building’s ‘brain’, with the sensors plugged into the HVAC system and lighting controls. The system also measures other environmental variables such as internal and external air quality, density, occupancy and noise levels.
The use of smart sensors and IoT-based technologies helps to ensure air, water and electricity resources are delivered cleanly and efficiently throughout the building, therefore reducing energy use and maximising environmental performance.
The office building is also equipped with the global tenant engagement platform OfficeApp’s smartphone app, which provides the building’s tenants with seamless access to a variety of services and amenities, including on-demand desk and room booking, F&B ordering, community engagement, issues reporting and communications. It enables touchless building access, live occupancy, environmental and air quality information and contactless temperature and lighting controls.