Universal Music UK has confirmed that it has signed a long-term lease for the entire office space in Four Pancras Square, London.
As reported last month, the switch will see the major label exit High Street Kensington, where Sony Music and Warner Music also both have their UK HQs.
However, there’s a bit of a wait: both Universal Music and Universal Music Publishing’s teams are unlikely to move into the 177,000 sq ft King’s Cross office before early 2018.
The building of Four Pancras Square will complete in summer 2017, but it won’t be until a few months after when 1,000 UMG staff – plus employees of Vivendi-owned Seetickets – make it their new home.
Universal Music, which will take all ten floors of the office, will have global media firm Havas next door in Three Pancras Square with Google, Louis Vuitton and PRS for Music, amongst many others, as their near-neighbours around the square.
“King’s Cross… feels like a natural home for Universal Music with many opportunities for collaboration and inspiration on our doorstep.”
David Joseph, Universal Music
In addition to the ten storeys, the building features a roof-top garden, balconies at all levels, a 10,000 sq ft destination restaurant at ground and lower ground floor and a dedicated cycle access.
David Joseph, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK, said: “King’s Cross is fast emerging as a creative hub for London. It’s going to be an energising place to work and feels like a natural home for Universal Music with many opportunities for collaboration and inspiration literally on our doorstep.”
Nick Searl, partner at Argent who are developing the building on behalf of the King’s Cross Partnership, said: “We are immensely pleased to welcome such a prestigious and globally respected tenant to King’s Cross; Universal Music’s decision to relocate here is testament to the dynamic and creative environment that has been created and the area’s broad appeal to businesses across a variety of sectors.
“By mid- 2017 we expect to have over 12,000 people working at King’s Cross, confirming its reputation as London’s new office destination and leading the way in workplace design and performance.”Music Business Worldwide
