Dorrington secures leading law firm occupier at Panagram in Clerkenwell

Leigh Day takes 28,360 ft² on 12-year leases at state-of-the-art office development

Panagram, the newly completed development by Dorrington on Goswell Road in Clerkenwell, has secured law firm Leigh Day as its primary occupier.  The firm has taken a total of 28,360 ft² over 5 floors, on 12-year leases.  This is one of the largest lettings in the City fringe during Covid, and a significant transaction during Q1 2021.

Moving from its current headquarters in St John’s Lane, Farringdon, Leigh Day is bucking the much-reported trend for occupiers to delay securing new office space in the light of Covid restrictions, recognising the ever-increasing need for improved workspace as it invests in the future wellbeing of its staff.

Panagram is 52,000 ft² of beautifully remodelled office space across nine floors designed by architects Buckley Gray Yeoman.  The building has been redeveloped to bring colour and excitement to the office floors, which offer great natural light, increased volume and far-reaching views.  Panagram, located in the heart of Clerkenwell close to Barbican and Farringdon stations, will have 22,000 ft² of CAT A and fully fitted space remaining, over four floors, after the Leigh Day lettings.

Wellness and sustainability credentials are strong at Panagram, with planting and external space throughout creating a calm and natural experience. Connectivity achieves a Gold WiredScore, and the fully equipped shower and cycle facilities a Platinum Cycling Score.  Panagram’s smart building credentials offer occupiers access to a bespoke app that controls the environment, as well as access to the building.

Panagram boasts a free-flowing reception with a relaxed and informal atmosphere, no traditional desk and a series of unique seating elements, including a white-tiled plinth with koi carp swimming through its centre; and a sculptural leather bench wrapping around a Ficus tree.

Visible through the glazed wall in reception, a dramatic grand timber staircase leads from the ground floor office space down to the garden level floor. The stair incorporates a larger Ficus tree growing from its centre and a series of extra-large steps to be used either as a place to sit and relax or as an auditorium.

Andrew Giblin, Director at Dorrington, said: “The completion of Panagram marks a significant milestone for Dorrington.  It is amazing to see this building completely transformed, offering space, light, amenities and service. We look forward to welcoming Leigh Day into its new workspaces that promise to be bold and flexible, with a focus on health and wellbeing.”

James Neville, Partner, Allsop, said: “This letting at 27 Goswell Road is significant news for the office market, particularly after the recent fallout from Covid. Businesses are recognising the need for improved workspaces for the future. The developers and architects of Panagram have ensured that this building will set a new standard for all occupiers looking for office space equipped for the future. I imagine many other occupiers will be quick to follow suit this year.”

Martyn Day, Senior Partner at Leigh Day, said: “We are excited about the move to our future home in Goswell Road. We see the future as being one where we want our staff to relish the prospect of going into the office – a chance to mix with other members of their team and the firm more widely in first class accommodation. To achieve this we wanted to take premises that had the quality and variety we have been looking for and are confident that Dorrington has produced a property in Goswell Road that achieves all that and more. We look forward to this new chapter in the life of Leigh Day.”

Hugh Stallard, Chairman of Spring4, said: “The location of Panagram, close to Leigh Day’s current home, and its non-corporate feel made the building a natural fit for Leigh Day.”

Allsop, Colliers and Richard Susskind & Co acted on behalf of Dorrington. Spring4 acted on behalf of Leigh Day.