The Shard just smashed record rents for the City

The Shard just got a new tenant, and it is taking up an entire floor in western Europe’s tallest building for over £90 per sq ft.

Financial IT firm Leonteq is moving its workforce from its West End offices into the 26^th floor of the skyscraper.

The deal has smashed record rents for the City of London. Back in April, shipping broker Affinity took up 6,584 sq ft of office space on the 44th floor of the Cheesegrater for £90 per sq ft.

According to the FT, the skyscraper now has 30% of unoccupied office space.

Last month, accounting software giant Sage took up 9,574 square feet of space on the 17^th floor of the Shard.

Irvine Sellar, The Shard’s developer, co-owner, and vice-chairman of Real Estate Management, said: “We pioneered the concept of the vertical city at The Shard and it is a huge endorsement of our vision that it continues to attract European industry leaders like Leonteq. Interest in the remaining space continues to be strong with potential occupiers not only attracted to The Shard’s growing community, but London Bridge’s strong transport infrastructure and exceptional social amenities that will only continue to evolve as businesses and their employees continue to move into the area.”

The Shard’s office space is home to companies operating in media, finance, professional services, consulting, luxury brand, education, flexible offices, energy, technology, healthcare, recruitment and asset management. Around 9,500 people now work at London Bridge Quarter, the vibrant estate comprising The Shard and the adjacent News UK headquarters building.