HMRC to become sole occupier at Westfield Stratford development

HMRC has signed for the remaining 58,000 sq ft at Legal & General’s office development next to Westfield Stratford City, making it the sole tenant of the government hub. L&G forward-funded the development last year in a deal with its developer Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. The 12-storey scheme covers 300,000 sq ft and will become HMRC’S new regional centre. It aims to occupy the building from late 2020. Keith Whitmore, head of development, design and construction for UK and Italy at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “Our office development at 14 Westfield Avenue demonstrates our continued commitment to creating and strengthening communities through the mixed-use nature of our sites where we are creating city districts.” Derek Gilby, senior fund manager at LGIM Real Assets, said: “When we funded this deal we were confident it would have a meaningful impact on this area, creating new jobs and driving economic growth. “Stratford has excellent fundamentals with first-class transport links and this investment will complement our existing ownership of the nearby TfL building, as well as the further regeneration in the area.” HMRC’s move is part of the wider Government Hubs programme. The new office building is L&G’s seventh forward-funded government hub. Sara O’Byrne, HMRC regional implementation lead for Stratford, said: “Once completed, there will be a range of staff from across London and the South East based in this state-of-the-art building delivering vital services for the public. “We are now keen to reach the next milestone, when HMRC assumes responsibility for the building and the internal fit-out starts, bringing us a step closer to achieving our transformation.” To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette