25 April 2024
Derwent London
plc ("Derwent London" / "the
Group")
Sale of Turnmill
EC1
Derwent London announces that it has exchanged contracts to sell
its 70,300 sq ft freehold interest in Turnmill EC1 for £77.35m
(before costs). The purchaser is the UK investment manager Titan
Investors.
The redevelopment of this architecturally
striking building in the heart of Clerkenwell completed in 2015 and
it is let to Publicis Groupe, at a passing rent of £4.0m, on a
lease expiring in 2035, with a tenant break in 2033. The disposal
price reflects a net initial yield to the purchaser of 4.9% with a
rent review in 2025, a capital value of £1,100 psf and is at a
small premium to the December 2023 book value.
Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Derwent London,
said:
"This disposal crystallises an attractive 9.1% IRR for the
Group as the London office investment market reopens. Proceeds will
be recycled into our two exciting on-site net zero carbon West End
developments, 25 Baker Street W1 and Network W1, which together
total 437,000 sq ft, while enhancing our financial capacity as
opportunities are beginning to emerge."
For
further information, please contact:
Derwent London
Tel: +44 (0)20 3478 4217 (Robert
Duncan)
|
Paul Williams, Chief
Executive
Richard Dean, Director of
Investment
Robert Duncan, Head of Investor
Relations
|
Brunswick Group
Tel: +44 (0)20 7404 5959
|
Nina Coad
Peter Hesse
|
Notes to
editors
Derwent London
plc
Derwent London plc owns 66 buildings in a
commercial real estate portfolio predominantly in central London
valued at £4.9 billion as at 31 December 2023, making it the
largest London office-focused real estate investment trust
(REIT).
Our experienced team has a long track record of
creating value throughout the property cycle by regenerating our
buildings via development or refurbishment, effective asset
management and capital recycling.
We typically acquire central London properties
off-market with low capital values and modest rents in improving
locations, most of which are either in the West End or the Tech
Belt. We capitalise on the unique qualities of each of our
properties - taking a fresh approach to the regeneration of every
building with a focus on anticipating tenant requirements and an
emphasis on design.
Reflecting and supporting our long-term
success, the business has a strong balance sheet with modest
leverage, a robust income stream and flexible financing.
As part of our commitment to lead the industry
in mitigating climate change, Derwent London has committed to
becoming a net zero carbon business by 2030, publishing its pathway
to achieving this goal in July 2020. In 2019 the Group became the
first UK REIT to sign a Revolving Credit Facility with a 'green'
tranche. At the same time, we also launched our Green Finance
Framework and signed the Better Buildings Partnership's climate
change commitment. The Group is a member of the 'RE100' which
recognises Derwent London as an influential company, committed to
100% renewable power by purchasing renewable energy, a key step in
becoming a net zero carbon business. Derwent London is one of the
property companies worldwide to have science-based carbon targets
validated by the Science Based Targets initiative
(SBTi).
Landmark buildings in our 5.4 million sq ft
portfolio include 1 Soho Place W1, 80 Charlotte Street W1, Brunel
Building W2, White Collar Factory EC1, Angel Building EC1, 1-2
Stephen Street W1, Horseferry House SW1 and Tea Building
E1.
In January 2022 we were proud to announce that
we had achieved the National Equality Standard - the UK's highest
benchmark for equality, diversity and inclusion. In May 2023 we
were recognised on the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2023
within the medium-sized organisation category and in the following
month we won two OAS awards - West End New Build for Soho Place W1
and Developer of the Year whilst we were also highly commended for
The Featherstone Building in the City New Build category. In
October 2023, White Collar Factory EC1 won the BCO's Test of Time
2023 award, Soho Place W1 won the British Construction Industry
Awards' Best Commercial Property Project of the Year and Derwent
London was awarded the EG Employer Award. In March 2023 we placed
in the top three of the Property Sector in Management Today's
Britain's Most Admired Companies awards 2022. In October 2022, 80
Charlotte Street won the BCO's Best National Commercial Workplace
award 2022. In 2013 the Company launched a voluntary
Community Fund which has to date supported over 160 community
projects in the West End and the Tech Belt. The Company is a public
limited company, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and
incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered
office is 25 Savile Row, London, W1S 2ER.
For further information see www.derwentlondon.com or follow
us on X (Twitter) at @derwentlondon
Forward-looking statements
This document contains certain
forward-looking statements about the future outlook of Derwent
London. By their nature, any statements about future outlook
involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and
depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future.
Actual results, performance or outcomes may differ materially from
any results, performance or outcomes expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements.
No representation or warranty is
given in relation to any forward-looking statements made by Derwent
London, including as to their completeness or accuracy. Derwent
London does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit
forecast.