Following a year of rapid growth, Portsmouth’s leading workspace, Lakeside North Harbour, has secured three new lettings reflecting the growing demand for office space after the COVID-19 lockdowns. The new occupants include children’s services charity Fair Ways, Equitix and BTS. These companies join a varied group of existing tenants that includes IBM, Virgin Media, Capita and AT&T.
Fair Ways, which moved to Lakeside in early 2021, has signed a new deal for a larger office of 3,420 sq ft to accommodate its growth. Leading global investor, Equitix, has taken 1,182 sq ft of space, while BTS, an innovative consultancy specialising in the people side of strategy, has leased a 4,825 sq ft office.
The new deals contribute to a strong year for Lakeside, which has welcomed a number of large and prominent organisations into its community since the start of the year. These include NHS Property Services, leading insurance broker Markerstudy Broking and life sciences and diagnostic equipment manufacturer Scienion.
Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, commented:
“Lakeside’s latest deals reflect the growing demand for office space after the COVID-19 lockdowns, as well as our ability to deliver unique and innovative workspaces that cater for a range of different businesses and needs.
“This has been a year of rapid growth for Lakeside, as businesses seek quality office space that supports employee health and wellbeing and their ESG goals. We believe that it’s our unique offering, combining a social and collaborative business community with beautiful surroundings, alongside our commitment to wellbeing, sustainability and biodiversity that is attracting increasing numbers of businesses to Lakeside.”
The campus is known for its 130-acres of rural surroundings, including pockets of rugged woodland, a large lake and outdoors working space. It offers wildlife walks and events designed around interacting with nature – all supporting employee wellbeing and productivity.
Kelly Fletcher, Head of BTS Portsmouth, commented:
“As a professional services business, people come first, and our culture is at the heart of our business. When looking for new office premises we wanted something that could cater to the hybrid needs of our employees both in the physical space but also from a sustainability and social perspective.
“The Lakeside site offers all modern business essentials whilst not neglecting safety, security, and inclusivity for its occupiers. When comparing Lakeside to other premises, the natural setting and ease of location was also unrivalled locally.
“Our team has already enjoyed working on site – Lakeside feels like a natural home now for us.”