Tishman Speyer has agreed a lease with Capital Fund Management for space at Smithson Plaza, a refurbished estate at 23-27 St James’s Street, previously known as ‘The Economist Plaza’.
Founded in 1991, Capital Fund Management (CFM) is an alternative investment manager and a pioneer in applying quantitative and systematic trading strategies to capital markets across the globe.
Designed by renowned architects Peter and Alison Smithson and completed in 1964, Smithson Plaza comprises three mixed-use buildings (Tower Building, Bank Building and Residential Building) totalling approx. 81,000 sq ft arranged around an elegant central plaza.
Following the acquisition of the estate in 2016, Tishman Speyer rejuvenated and renamed the complex ‘Smithson Plaza’ in honour of the original designers and appointed London-based architects DSDHA with the strategic brief to safeguard the future of the estate, enhancing their historic significance and longevity, while delivering best-in-class accommodation.
The refurbishment has included completely new lobbies to all three buildings on the estate and eight office floors to create over 29,000 SF of Grade A work spaces and 2,450 SF of ‘plug and play’ space. Other works have included new double-glazed windows, brand-new air conditioning and lifts, as well as state-of-the-art amenities for tenants. The Smithson Tower offers 360-degree, unobstructed panoramic views of London and is the only refurbished office tower in St James’s.
CFM will occupy the second floor of the Bank Building, totalling 2,000 SF, with commanding views over St James’s Street and the Plaza, where a program of public art is returning the building to its original purpose of serving the public and the city as a cultural gathering place.
Tishman Speyer has also entered into an Agreement for Lease with two additional tenants for a 3,600 SF floor of the Smithson Tower and a 1,200 SF floor of the Denham Building.
Dan Nicholson, Head of UK for Tishman Speyer, says: “We are delighted to welcome CFM to Smithson Plaza. We were able to secure the contract with our best-in-class amenities and the strong relationship we have built with CFM, who also leased space from us in the recently-sold Chrysler Building in New York.”
“We’re looking forward to moving to Smithson Plaza. The iconic buildings together with the refurbished office and cultural spaces made it the perfect choice for our London office,” says Philippe Jordan, President of CFM International.
Smithson Plaza is one of three major property acquisitions or developments for Tishman Speyer in London. Their portfolio includes The Point in Paddington and 33 Holborn.
