JLL confirms move to Wood Wharf

JLL has today confirmed that it has agreed to take 38,000 sq ft at 20 Water Street, Wood Wharf to house its Docklands office.

The global real estate adviser will relocate the teams currently based at 40 Bank Street, to the second and third floors at 20 Water Street, Wood Wharf, in early 2022. The move is part of its commitment to shape the workplace for its employees, providing flexible work options as well as sustainable, technologically advanced workplaces that boast great connectivity and amenities.

JLL is the first occupier to take space at the 214,000 sq ft scheme designed by Allies and Morrison. 20 Water Street is rated as Outstanding by BREEAM, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method, making it one of the most sustainable buildings ever built in the UK.

As part of JLL’s and Canary Wharf Group’s (CWG) combined ongoing commitments to the environment, the lease for 20 Water Street includes for the first time, on the Canary Wharf estate, a legally binding green lease clause. Both JLL and CWG will work in partnership to improve sustainability performance and exceed BREEAM targets.

The green lease clause will see CWG and JLL procure renewable energy for the building, ensure it is energy efficient, minimise waste and maximise recycling, and agree a series of performance and energy targets to enhance best practice and participate in an estate wide sustainability forum held with tenants.

20 Water Street is a stunning waterside office building benefitting from flexible work zones and access to outdoor spaces on every level. The building boasts seamless working areas to encourage collaboration and support wellbeing along with future-proofed digital infrastructure including 5G, WiFi 6 and superfast fibre connectivity.

20 Water Street sits at the heart of Wood Wharf, CWG’s new five million sq ft district comprising a mixed-use space including two million sq ft of commercial workspace, nine acres of waterside boardwalks and green spaces, along with up to 3,600 new homes and 350,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

At Wood Wharf JLL will be joining a community of fast-growth businesses and entrepreneurs as the new district is set to become a central component of London’s thriving digital economy. 20 Water Street is close proximity to good transport links including Crossrail Place, the new Elizabeth Line station at Canary Wharf due to open in 2022.

Stephanie Hyde, UK CEO at JLL, said: “As we emerge from the pandemic tunnel it’s clear from discussions with clients that offices continue to play a central role in future workplace strategies. At Wood Wharf we will focus on providing flexible and collaborative space that form a natural part of our workplace strategy to enhance productivity and colleague wellbeing.

“In 20 Water Street we have somewhere with the highest sustainability standards supporting our ambitious energy efficiency targets and pathway to net zero.”

Shobi Khan, CEO, Canary Wharf Group (CWG), said: “JLL and CWG share a commitment to sustainability and transitioning to Net Zero and through our new green lease clause we will work together to create an environment that raises the benchmark for office space.

“As UK’s most sustainable developer, CWG creates spaces that evolve with tenants’ requirements. We are delighted JLL is moving into 20 Water Street - a building designed to meet their flexibility, environmental, wellbeing and connectivity needs.

“In the heart of Wood Wharf, this building benefits from waterside views, access to open spaces, a residential community and a wide range of amenities, including restaurants and retail – a 15-minute city where people can live, work and play.”

CWG is committed to reach net zero carbon by 2030.

JLL recently announced its decision to relocate its UK flagship office to 1 Broadgate, which together with its move to 20 Water Street, is representative of its commitment to the reimagination of its workplace strategy and long-term investment to deliver the best environments for its people.