LONDON (April 2): International law firm Simmons & Simmons LLP has signed a 20-year lease as the anchor tenant at IJM Corp Bhd’s (KL:IJM) commercial property at 25 Finsbury Circus in London.

According to a media statement issued today, the lease will see the firm occupy 62% of the building with an option to expand up to 80%.

“We are pleased to welcome Simmons & Simmons as the anchor tenant at 25 Finsbury Circus. Today’s signing affirms market confidence and tenant appeal for this property. Their long-term lease underscores the value of the asset and aligns with IJM’s strategy of building an international portfolio of well-positioned properties offering strong recurring income potential,” said IJM’s CEO and managing director Datuk Lee Chun Fai in the statement.

To recap, IJM acquired the Grade II-listed property for £72.5 million (RM416.7 million) in February. The property has a projected gross development value of £420 million.

Located in the City of London, the building is currently undergoing a £150 million sustainability-led refurbishment that will increase its total footprint by 26%. The refurbishment works commenced in March following full planning consent and are scheduled for completion within 36 months. Upon completion, 25 Finsbury Circus will offer 378,000 sq ft of gross internal area and 251,068 sq ft of net lettable area.

Simmons & Simmons, which has 21 offices globally, intends to use the space at 25 Finsbury Circus to support its growth plans in London, offering flexible office layouts, wellness-focused areas and end-of-journey facilities such as bicycle storage, showers, wellness rooms and lockers — encouraging healthier commuting options.

“We are very pleased to have secured 25 Finsbury Circus as the new base for our London office. This dynamic office space is an excellent fit for the firm and a strong statement of our ambitions. Like the firm itself, it combines heritage with innovation — and most importantly, it’s equipped to meet our growth objectives, ensuring that Simmons will remain highly competitive in the years ahead,” said Simmons & Simmons managing partner Jeremy Hoyland in the statement.

The building’s remaining upper floors are available for lease, offering office spaces with panoramic views of Finsbury Circus Gardens. Flexible retail and convenience-focused spaces are targeted for the ground and lower ground floors, enhancing the property's appeal and convenience.