Square Point Capital’s 400,000 Sq Ft Commitment Underscores the Strength of London’s Prime Office Market
In a transaction that reaffirms the City of London’s global status as a financial and commercial hub, JP Morgan Asset Management has secured a transformative 400,000 sq ft pre-let agreement with Squarepoint Capital.
This monumental deal represents one of the largest pre-lets in recent years and reflects surging confidence in high-quality, ESG-aligned office developments amid post-pandemic workplace evolution.
Leadenhall: Redefining Grade A Office Space in the Heart of the City
Situated adjacent to the iconic Leadenhall Market and just steps from the Lloyd’s, 1 Leadenhall is poised to become a flagship asset in JP Morgan’s UK real estate portfolio.
Designed by award-winning Make Architects, the tower will offer 36 Grade A office accommodation floors, panoramic views of London’s skyline, and world-class amenities tailored for global occupiers.
Key features of 1 Leadenhall:
BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and WELL Platinum certifications
Triple-height reception with biophilic design elements
Flexible floorplates ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 sq ft
Integrated wellness centre, terraces, and innovative building technology
With construction led by Multiplex and completion scheduled for 2026, 1 Leadenhall is a benchmark for sustainable and future-ready office environments.
Square point Capital’s Strategic Relocation to 1 Leadenhall
Squarepoint Capital, a leading global investment management firm specializing in systematic strategies, will consolidate and expand its London presence through this landmark pre-let.
By committing to the entire 400,000 sq ft, Squarepoint is investing in premium office space and enhancing its ability to attract top talent and support hybrid working practices.
This move underscores a broader trend among institutional tenants seeking:
Central locations with multimodal transport access
High-performance buildings that align with ESG goals
Flexible lease terms and scalable occupancy solutions
Institutional Demand Reshapes the London Office Landscape
The Squarepoint pre-let deal is emblematic of a broader resurgence in institutional leasing activity across London.
According to CBRE, the take-up of Grade A space in the City grew by over 40% in 2024, with financial and technology sectors leading the charge.
Factors driving this momentum:
Flight to quality: Tenants are prioritizing best-in-class buildings over legacy assets.
Sustainability mandates: Occupiers are aligning real estate footprints with decarbonization targets.
Workforce expectations: Demand for wellness and amenity-rich environments has never been higher.
JP Morgan AM’s Strategy: Leveraging Trophy Assets for Long-Term Value
JP Morgan Asset Management’s real estate division continues to position itself at the forefront of urban transformation.
With a global portfolio exceeding $70 billion in assets under management, the firm is actively investing in developments that combine placemaking with profitability.
In London alone, JP Morgan AM is advancing multiple projects aimed at:
Revitalizing underutilized urban spaces
Deploying green construction technologies
Targeting occupier segments with high growth potential
Investment Lifecycle – JP Morgan AM’s Trophy Asset Strategy
Site Acquisition
The process begins with identifying and securing a strategic location with strong long-term growth potential.
Planning & Design
Once the site is acquired, the focus shifts to architectural planning, obtaining necessary permits, and designing a high-specification building that meets modern demands.
Construction Phase
The physical development of the site begins, often involving cutting-edge construction technologies and sustainable building practices.
Pre-Let Agreements
During or towards the end of construction, key tenants—such as institutional firms like Squarepoint Capital—are secured through pre-let deals.
Asset Stabilization
Once tenants move in and occupancy levels stabilize, the property becomes a functioning, income-generating asset.
Long-Term Income Generation
The asset generates steady rental income, contributing to the fund’s long-term financial performance.
Potential Disposal or Reinvestment
At the optimal point in the lifecycle, the asset may be sold for capital gain or reinvested through refurbishments or market repositioning.
Future Outlook: Confidence in London as a Magnet for Global Capital
As Squarepoint Capital prepares to anchor its operations at 1 Leadenhall, the deal is expected to catalyze further blue-chip pre-lets in the City.
With economic indicators showing resilience and infrastructure investments (e.g., Crossrail, City Cluster Vision 2030) reshaping urban dynamics, London remains a prime destination for institutional capital.
Emerging trends to watch:
Rise of ‘smart towers’ integrating AI and IoT for energy optimization
Greater appetite for long-term leases in core locations
Increased collaboration between public and private sectors on regeneration
Investment Lifecycle – JP Morgan AM’s Trophy Asset Strategy
Site Acquisition
The process begins with identifying and securing a strategic location with strong long-term growth potential.
Planning & Design
Once the site is acquired, the focus shifts to architectural planning, obtaining necessary permits, and designing a high-specification building that meets modern demands.
Construction Phase
The physical development of the site begins, often involving cutting-edge construction technologies and sustainable building practices.
Pre-Let Agreements
During or towards the end of construction, key tenants—such as institutional firms like Squarepoint Capital—are secured through pre-let deals.
Asset Stabilization
Once tenants move in and occupancy levels stabilize, the property becomes a functioning, income-generating asset.
Long-Term Income Generation
The asset generates steady rental income, contributing to the fund’s long-term financial performance.
Potential Disposal or Reinvestment
At the optimal point in the lifecycle, the asset may be sold for capital gain or reinvested through refurbishments or repositioning in the market.
Conclusion: Squarepoint’s 1 Leadenhall Deal is a Defining Moment for London’s Commercial Real Estate
This transaction is more than a lease; it is a strategic statement on the future of the workspace. Backed by JP Morgan AM’s expertise and capital strength, 1 Leadenhall will symbolize institutional confidence and London’s enduring relevance on the global stage.
This pre-let exemplifies the new gold standard in post-COVID commercial property strategy for stakeholders across real estate, finance, and urban development.
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