Soros foundation takes final space at Herbal House

George Soros’ philanthropic endeavour Open Society Foundations has agreed to take the remaining two floors at Herbal House, EC1. It is to occupy 29,000 sq ft at the Daily Mirror’s former printworks in Farringdon on a 15-year lease with a break at year five. The 1920s warehouse in Clerkenwell was recently refurbished by owner European real estate fund manager Aerium to provide 115,000 sq ft of space over 10 floors. It is now fully let. Open Society is paying a rent which is in line with previous leasing deals. Open Society works internationally to financially support individuals and groups fighting for freedom of expression, accountable government, and societies that promote justice and equality, as well as providing school and university fees for students who would otherwise have been excluded. The organisation, which in London is currently located at Millbank Tower, SW1, is primarily funded by Soros who has donated more than $32bn (£25bn). The organisation joins sports apparel maker Adidas, which is to occupy the first and second floors for a new product showroom for a minimum of five years, paying around £65 per sq ft; global design firm IDEO, which occupies the sixth and seventh floors; and online photograph printing company Photobox, which occupies 37,000 sq ft on a 10-year lease. Robin Carr, chief investment officer at Aerium, said: “The letting to Open Society successfully concludes the lease up of Herbal House, where the striking building finishes in this unique TMT-focused scheme have proved a winning formula in attracting top tenants.” JLL acted for Aerium. Cushman and Wakefield acted for Open Society. To send feedback, e-mail louise.dransfield@egi.co.uk or tweet @DransfieldL or @estatesgazette