Universal Music UK has made a pre-let offer on a huge development in London’s King’s Cross – a property likely to become its next office when building finishes in mid-2017.
The Vivendi-owned UK company moved into its current address, 364-366 Kensington High Street, ten years ago in 2005.
And in 2012, Universal expanded into Beaumont House on Avenmore Road in the nearby Kensington Village.
The South-West London location means that both Universal Music UK offices are currently just 15 minutes walk away from the HQs of rivals Sony Music and Warner Music UK.
But all of that could change in less than two years’ time, according to Property Week.
Universal Music UK is apparently under offer to pre-let the whole of Four Pancras Square in Kings Cross, N1.
Pre-lets take place before the build of a commercial property has been finished, with the leasing party usually having some say on design and construction.
Four Pancras Square has been designed by Eric Parry Architects, and promises ‘stunning views across Regent’s Canal to Granary Square and St Pancras Clock Tower’.
The building will comprise approximately 170,000 sq ft over 10 floors – and Universal reportedly wants them all.
Construction is due to be completed by Q2, 2017.
The building will form part of the flash Pancras Square development, which opened in January.
This development also plays host to collection and licensing society PRS For Music, plus mechanical rights society MCPS: both now operate from within Two Pancras Square.
[Spotter’s badge for those MBW readers who point out that Google UK is also due to move into Pancras Square – No.6, to be exact – in 2017.]
According to Property Week, Universal Music UK “is close to signing a deal for a mega pre-let” on the No.4 premises.
Louis Vuitton has also recently taken an office space within the Pancras Square development.
Universal Music UK encompasses labels including Virgin EMI, Capitol, Island, Polydor and Fiction. It also houses label/artist services firm Caroline International and sync licensing operation Globe.
If Universal does move into Pancras Square, its staff will no doubt become accustomed to wine bar/restaurant Vinoteca.
There’s also craft coffee shop Notes and Granger & Co on the doorstep, plus a D&D London restaurant.
Popular eatery Grain Store is a stone’s throw away, with a Kimchee due to open later this year.
Universal’s gym bunnies will be able to visit the new Pancras Square Leisure Centre, while book worms can spend their lunchtime in the public library in the London Borough of Camden building – at Five Pancras Square, it’s next door to UMG’s mooted new UK home.
Is there a Nando’s around the corner? Of course there’s a Nando’s around the corner.
They’ve truly thought of everything.Music Business Worldwide
