Reading: BDO, HSBC and Pret take space at landmark Thames Tower offices

The joint venture between Landid and Brockton Capital has reached agreement with three more occupiers to take space in the partnership’s landmark office development in Reading town centre.

Professional services firm BDO, which operates in 154 countries with 64,500 people working out of 1,400 offices worldwide, has taken the whole of the 12th floor in the 15-storey tower, totalling 14,040, sq ft, on a 10-year lease. The firm will move over 100 staff from its Reading office at Kings Wharf in Kings Road, following the launch of the 195,000 sq ft Thames Tower in May.

HSBC, one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations, has agreed to take 9,500 sq ft on the 7th floor on a 15-year lease. HSBC will relocate its Thames Valley Corporate Banking division from its current office at Apex Plaza, on Forbury Road, Reading, into Thames Tower.

Natural food specialist Pret A Manger is taking one A3 retail unit on the ground floor of the landmark building, which sits on the town’s pedestrianised piazza, directly opposite the newly rebuilt £800m Reading station. The 2,500 sq ft store, which will be the third Pret A Manger in Reading, is set to open in June and will open out onto the redeveloped public amphitheatre in front of the building.

The three lettings follow award-winning recruitment firm Austin Fraser agreeing a deal in January to take 14,040 sq ft on the 11th floor of the building on a 10-year lease, underlining Thames Tower’s attraction to modern occupiers looking for design-led contemporary office space in amenity rich well connected urban locations.

James Silver, Landid development director, said: “We are delighted to welcome BDO, HSBC and Pret A Manger to Thames Tower. Following hot on the heels of the Austin Fraser letting, these deals show that the building is a major draw for local, national and international businesses alike. It’s really exciting to see the beginning of what will be a vibrant and innovative business community in the building – it is a workspace like no other in Reading and we look forward to the occupiers moving in and bringing the building to life.”

Simon Brooker, managing partner of BDO, Reading, commented: “Thames Tower is a stylish modern building right in the heart of Reading and will be a perfect new home for our business. The building is just a stone’s throw from the station, so has great connectivity, and offers great access to the town’s restaurants and shops – not to mention the roof top terrace which will be a fantastic amenity for occupiers. We think having a great workspace is hugely important when it comes to attracting and retaining talent and Thames Tower fits the bill.”