IJM-owned 25 Finsbury Circus secures international law firm as anchor tenant
LONDON, 2 April 2025 – IJM Corporation Berhad (“IJM” or “the Group”) announced today that international law firm Simmons & Simmons LLP (“Simmons & Simmons”) has signed a 20-year lease as the anchor tenant at 25 Finsbury Circus, the Group’s recently acquired commercial property located in the City of London’s central business district.
Under the lease, Simmons & Simmons—a global law firm with 129 years of history, 21 offices worldwide, over 1,300 lawyers and 1,000 business services professionals—will occupy 62% of the building across multiple floors, with an option to expand their tenancy to up to 80%. The new space will support the firm’s plans to enhance its London presence, 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. The signing highlights the property’s strong appeal to top-tier tenants seeking future-ready office environments in one of London’s most connected business hubs.
Acquired for £72.5 million (RM416.7 million) in February this year, 25 Finsbury Circus is undergoing a comprehensive £150 million (approximately RM853.5 million) sustainability-led refurbishment and reconfiguration, which will increase its total footprint by 26%. Upon completion, the Grade II-listed building will feature approximately 378,000 sq ft of gross internal area (GIA) and a net lettable area of 251,068 sq ft, with a projected gross development value (GDV) of approximately £420 million (RM2.4 billion). Full planning consent for the redevelopment, comprising a restoration of its historic façade, a two-floor extension and a new rooftop terrace, was secured ahead of the acquisition, enabling works to commence immediately.
The property occupies a prime site overlooking Finsbury Circus Gardens, the largest public open space in the City of London. Located in the heart of London’s financial district, it is surrounded by major global financial institutions, professional services firms and leading technology companies. Just a two-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station—now the UK’s busiest transport hub with the addition of the Elizabeth Line—the building offers exceptional accessibility.
“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 Dato’ Lee Chun Fai, CEO & Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad.
Jeremy Hoyland, Managing Partner of Simmons & Simmons, added:
“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.”
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.
The refurbishment prioritises sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient smart systems and targeting certifications including BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, NABERS 4 Stars, EPC A, and WiredScore Platinum.
Refurbishment works commenced earlier this month, with contractors already on site, and completion scheduled within 36 months.
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Photos and caption:
A landmark in London’s financial and tech hub. Finsbury Circus is strategically located in London’s financial district, which is evolving into a global technology hub. This makes it a prime commercial asset, offering a blend of heritage, connectivity and modern workspace solutions.
Unrivalled connectivity in the heart of London. Located less than a 2-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station, Finsbury Circus offers seamless access to the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail)–one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs, reinforcing its status as a highly connected commercial hub.
Overlooking the elliptical Finsbury Circus Gardens, the largest public open space in the City of London, this prestigious commercial address blends historic charm with a unique green retreat in the financial district.
About IJM Corporation Berhad
IJM Corporation Berhad (“IJM”), formed in 1983, today ranks as one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates with an international footprint forged by its four core businesses: construction, property development, industry (quarrying and the manufacture of building materials) and infrastructure concessions. IJM holds leading positions across all its business divisions. Its growth is the direct result of strong leadership, dedicated employees, financial prudence and commitment to good governance and quality.
The Group presently has a market capitalisation of around RM7.33 billion and as of September 2024, the Group employed around 3,500 employees and had total assets of RM20.2 billion.
For more information, visit www.ijm.com
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Mandy Chen, Corporate Communications, at mandychen@ijm.com or + 60 12 607 6121
Mr. Shane Guha Thakurta, Investor Relations, at shane@ijm.com or + 60 3 7985 8041