Client: Scandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB)

Following a relocation of its trading operations to its headquarters in Cannon Street, Swedish bank, SEB, was left with expensive surplus accommodation at its office at 88 Wood Street.

A Richard Rogers designed building, it was important that SEB sub-let its interest as soon as possible, in order to offset its financial liabilities.

SEB had tailored its accommodation with a bespoke fit-out solution to a Category B finish. We knew this would limit its appeal to potential sub-tenants, so we advised our client to rip out its current fit-out and refurbish its space to a Category A finish. This change would provide an incoming tenant with a basic, modern, open plan ‘canvas’ in pristine condition upon which it could introduce its own specifications.

A £0.5m capital project, the works were being delayed for a variety of reasons, including significant issues with insurance risk, licenses to alter and fire safety compliance. As the contractor and building managers had reached an impasse, we were appointed as project managers to ensure the works were resumed and completed on schedule.