Creative real estate developer General Projects has announced a series of new lettings at Highgate Studios in Kentish Town, one of North London’s largest creative, media and technology campuses.
Once the Sanderson wallpaper factory, Highgate Studios’ impressive industrial studio space is now home to a vibrant mix of innovative technology, media and creative companies. The flurry of lettings comes as General Projects completes the first phase of refurbishment works, delivering a diverse array of spaces from fully fitted 1,000-sq-ft units to large, open-plan studios. Newly landscaped public realm, end-of-trip cycle facilities and outdoor social spaces, and the introduction of hospitality-led amenities – including an on-site café, restaurant and gym – have contributed to the attractiveness of the landmark building.
Having been appointed as redevelopment manager 18 months ago by LaSalle Investment Management, the owner of Highgate Studios, with a vacancy rate of almost 50%, General Projects has committed to forging meaningful relationships with the existing tenants and delivering on its promises to transform the estate into an amenity-rich creative campus fit for modern needs.
Luminary Roli, a leader in digital music technology, is expanding its 500 sq ft studio space to take 14,000 sq ft, relocating its R&D workshop from East London to create a flagship HQ and retail customer experience at Highgate Studios on a 10-year lease.
Video game developer Rocksteady, owned by Warner Bros, has signed a new 10-year lease for 27,000 sq ft.
Leading digital software development consultancy, Softwire, has committed its future to the estate by singing a new lease for 27,000 sq ft. The tenant is now on site undertaking substantial fit out works of their premises to align its workspace for the future.
Also renewing, on 5-year leases: statistical modelling platform Smart Odds (6,000 sq ft); travel and lifestyle content marketing company APL Media (5,000 sq ft); sound system solutions company L’Acoustics (5,600 sq ft); North Pacific (3,000 sq ft); and Redbow Productions (2,600 sq ft), owned by famous fashion photographers Mert and Marcus.
A further 22,500 sq ft is under offer, taking the total space being renewed by existing tenants to over 100,000 sq ft. At more than half of the 200,000-sq-ft estate, these lettings are a testament to the quality of the development work taking place and its impact on creating trust and buy-in from Highgate Studios occupiers.
Robert Selwyn, Senior Asset Manager at General Projects, said:
“Since being appointed, we have worked hard to deliver on the promises made to the estate’s existing tenants by investing in and reimagining the space around them. This has enabled us to put our occupiers’ interests at heart and create an environment that underpins what they really want from their workspace. We are proud to be able to say that every single occupier has now signed a new lease is committing to stay because they believe in our vision and that is a testament to the relationships we have built and the ongoing transformation of the creative campus that we are delivering.
“This is a special Estate with a long history of supporting North London’s creative businesses. Our role now is to continue its story, in close collaboration with our tenants, to make sure that Highgate Studios continues to lead a legacy of attracting incredibly talented and dynamic businesses.”
