The architect of the landmark Lloyds’s Building has denied reports that the insurance institution is planning to quit the address in favour of a nearby development.
The story that Lloyds was in talks with Henderson about a move to its upcoming Leadenhall Street scheme dubbed Gotham City, initially emerged in the Sunday Times.
It followed widespread speculation that Lloyd’s might exercise a break clause in its lease due to the company’s growing frustration with the cost of maintaining the City tower.
However, Building Design today quotes architect Richard Rogers insisting that this is not the case and that Lloyds is currently negotiating a rent review with the building’s Chinese owners, Ping An.
He also denies that Lloyds is unhappy with the performance of the ‘inside-out’ building which, he says, provides great flexibility.
Having the services on the exterior provides the maximum amount of lettable floor space, he explains. It also allows for essential upgrades to be carried out without disruption to the tenant’s day-to-day business.
The design also fulfils Lloyd’s original brief to create a building which would take them into the next century.
“”The building has proved to be very flexible and is still a highly desirable office that has attained some of the best rents in the City and proved to be a fantastic commercial success,” Rogers said.
Despite the architect’s assertion, rumours that Lloyds is involved in talks with Henderson about a possible move refuse to go away, with reports from a number of sources over the past 24 hours adding to the speculation.
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