Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises Helical Plc and its JV partner on the £333 million forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street

Global law firm Clifford Chance has advised long standing client Helical Plc and a vehicle managed by Orion Capital Managers on the £333 million forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street, a prime office development in Central London. The purchaser, an S&P 500 listed global business, will occupy the building upon its completion in 2026.

Clifford Chance has advised Helical plc across the entire life cycle of this development project from the initial acquisition of the corporate vehicle which owns the property, obtaining planning and other consents for the scheme, entering into the joint venture with Orion Capital Managers for the redevelopment of 100 New Bridge Street and the subsequent forward sale.

Set to complete development in April 2026, 100 New Bridge Street will offer 195,000 sq ft of premium office space, designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability and wellbeing. The building, which was the former London headquarters of law firm Baker McKenzie, will achieve certifications such as EPC A, BREEAM 'Outstanding', NABERS 5*, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum. The 10-storey structure is undergoing a thorough refurbishment, which includes stripping it back to its frame, recladding, and adding two additional floors. The finished development will feature a stunning eighth-floor terrace of 7,450 sq ft, providing breathtaking views of St. Paul's Cathedral and Central London.

Ian Painter, Real Estate Partner at Clifford Chance, commented: "We were delighted to advise Helical and Orion Capital Managers on the forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street. This is a state-of-the-art development in prime London where we have advised on numerous workstreams highlighting the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance's expertise for central London development projects. The forward sale is a testament to the quality of Helical and Orion's development of 100 New Bridge Street into a very much in demand London headquarters with first class sustainable credentials and exceptional amenities."

Ian Painter was assisted on the transaction by Senior Associates Holly Porter and Melissa Jones, Director Ben Hatton, Associate Jordan Gulwell and Trainee Rob Lentz. Tax advice was provided by Partner Jemma Dick supported by Director Simon Corzberg and Lawyer Archie Zverev. Planning and environment advice was provided by Partner Nigel Howorth and Senior Associate Katie Kempthorne. Real estate finance support was provided by Partner Laura Smallcombe and Senior Associate Rubin Trehan King.

Matthew Bonning-Snook, CEO of Helical, commented: "This transaction is a true reflection of the quality of 100 New Bridge Street as a London headquarters destination. The very strong interest we received in the scheme over a year ahead of completion is testament not only to its best-in-class characteristics, but also the acute shortage of prime office space within the submarkets Helical has targeted as part of its significant development programme."