Global law firm to move into “iconic” London landmark

A global law firm is to move into London’s iconic Walkie-Talkie building as part of a major workplace transformation programme.

Kennedys, which has been based in nearby Fenchurch Avenue since 2008, has signed a 10-year lease to occupy approximately 50,000 sq ft over two-and-a-half floors of the landmark skyscraper.

It follows a detailed consultation with London-based partners and colleagues, in advance of the move which is scheduled to take place in December 2022.

Suzanne Liversidge, global managing partner at Kennedys, said: “As part of WorkWise, our global transformation programme, we’ve spent the last six months speaking to people at all levels of the business to find out what was most important to them, and it is that feedback which will help shape our future workspace.”

Built in 2014 and designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, the Fenchurch Building – affectionately known as the ‘Walkie-Talkie’ because of its resemblance to a two-way radio handset – comprises 34 floors of offices topped with three floors of bars and restaurants and the famous Sky Garden, offering panoramic views of the London skyline.

It has been rated as excellent by BREEAM, the internationally recognised Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method, which supports Kennedys’ commitment to sustainability.

The new office also reflects the firm’s move to hybrid working which was introduced earlier this year, giving colleagues the technology and flexibility to be able to work from anywhere at any time.

Nick Thomas, senior partner, added: “Our global workplace transformation programme has been ongoing for some time. We had already started to introduce increased flexibility, but the pandemic obviously accelerated that. We have also seen a significant shift in what people are looking for from a workplace and we want to reflect that in the design of our global offices.

“It signals not only our continued growth and our commitment to our clients, but also our promise to provide the very best working environment for our people.”

Kennedys, which has 43 offices across the world, has continued to grow throughout the pandemic, opening new offices inLeeds, San Francisco, Oman, Tel Aviv and Perth, as well as moving to bigger premises in Manchester, Melbourne and Hong Kong.

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