Press releases
Major Redevelopment Starts on 42,000 sq. ft. St Albans Office Headquarters
LGIM Real Assets, on behalf of its segregated mandate fund, announces that it has committed to an extensive redevelopment at 10 Bricket Road. Works have now started on site, where the re-development will deliver 42,478 sq. ft. of contemporary, high quality flexible office accommodation in the heart of St Albans
31 Mar 2021
The redevelopment will add an additional 50% floor area to the original building and is scheduled for completion in late 2021. Canmoor has been appointed as development manager.
Over the course of the last 12 months, we have seen a significant change to the way in which we live and work, causing a cultural shift in what factors prospective occupiers prioritise when searching for a new office. The case for flexible office demand post-lockdown is compelling as businesses seek an environment that encourages creativity and productivity. In a post-pandemic world, a focus on creating safe environments is obvious, but owners will also need to put equal focus on a high level of service and occupier experience if they are to tempt workers back to the office.
Legal & General recognises that real estate owners must meet – and exceed - occupiers’ expectations of what a building can offer, with ESG credentials forming a fundamental part of this. Now, more than ever, targeting operational net zero is increasingly important to occupiers, and supporting these ambitions forms a crucial part of LGIM Real Assets strategy to deliver net zero across its commercial real estate portfolio by 2050.
10 Bricket Road holds strong sustainability credentials, with target ratings of EPC ‘B’ and BREEAM “Excellent”. This major re-development will incorporate an enhanced specification resulting in the delivery of a high-quality, energy efficient building – also including features such as car charging points, secure cycle storage and generous shower facilities. 10 Bricket Road will encompass national ambitions for sustainable development and align with LGIM Real Assets carbon commitments.
Offices have always and will continue to foster creativity and productivity. They are a vital piece of the urban landscape, supporting footfall and spending, and key in reinvigorating our transport systems through the daily commute. These are the ingredients needed to restart the economy.
The Fund will continue to act as property owner. Bray Fox Smith and Knight Frank are the joint sole agents, and Oakmont Construction has been appointed as the main contractor.
Ali Farrell, Fund Manager, LGIM Real Assets: "As we look to create future value for the Fund, 10 Bricket Road is a truly unique development.Situated within the heart of St Albans, the property is close to shopping, amenities, and only a short walk to St Albans City Station – with the fastest connection to London via Thameslink. The state-of-the-art facilities will help to drive employee health, satisfaction and wellbeing, as well as accelerate LGIM Real Assets wider efforts concerning sustainability.
We have on-going positive discussions and expect strong interest from the local and regional occupier market - we are also gaining significant attention from central London occupiers due to the excellent train service in particular."
Andrew Mercer, Office Sector Lead at LGIM Real Assets: "The wants and needs of the office occupier have changed. The office owners that offer a point of difference through better designed, well managed offices in good locations will come back stronger and more resilient.Demonstrating our proactive approach to asset management, this refurbishment will future proof the asset for years to come. As we continue to target LGIM RA’s net zero carbon commitments and strategy, we are embedding sustainable practices across our office portfolio. There has never been a more important time to invest in market defining sustainable offices for our occupiers, to drive the ESG agenda and deliver long term value for our investors.
Through long term investment in our assets we remain committed and proactive in delivering optimum working environments; by providing occupier experience, through technological and wellbeing initiatives and a range of leasing options, we offer that fundamental point of difference. 10 Bricket Road represents our clear intention to deliver on these requirements."
Sam Walker, Director at Canmoor: "We are delighted to team up with LGIM Real Assets again. This building is a classic example of enhancing and repurposing a well-located office building in an undersupplied historic town with an excellent town centre parking provision. We expect the completed development to deliver the necessary ESG criteria demanded by today’s occupiers as well as creating best in class workplace, to attract workforces back into offices in a post Covid environment."
Further information
Jessye Brandon
Senior PR Executive
LGIM Real Assets
T: 07584498775
Notes to editors
Established in 1836, Legal & General is one of the UK's leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with £1.2 trillion in total assets under management1 of which 40% is international. We have a unique and highly synergistic business model, which continues to drive strong returns. Legal & General provides powerful asset origination and management capabilities directly to clients, which also underpin our leading retirement and protection solutions. We are a leading international player in Pension Risk Transfer, in UK and US life insurance, and in UK workplace pensions and retirement income. Our purpose is to improve the lives of our customers and create value for our shareholders. Through inclusive capitalism, we are investing in long-term assets, such as real estate and infrastructure, that can help build a better society for the future.
1Data as at 31 December 2023.
LGIM is one of Europe’s largest asset managers and a major global investor, with total assets under management of £1.2 trillion1 ($1.5tn, €1.3tn, CHF 1.2tn). We work with a wide range of global clients, including pension schemes, sovereign wealth funds, fund distributors and retail investors.
For more than 50 years, we have built our business through understanding what matters most to our clients and transforming this insight into valuable, accessible investment products and solutions. We provide investment expertise across the full spectrum of asset classes including fixed income, equities, commercial property, and cash. Our capabilities range from index-tracking and active strategies to liquidity management and liability-based risk management solutions.
1Data as at 31 December 2023. Data combines assets under management by LGIM in the UK, LGIMA in the US and LGIM Asia in Hong Kong. Assets under management include securities and derivatives positions.