Development giants British Land and Oxford Properties are jointly behind the project officially called The Leadenhall Building but widely referred to by its more informal nickname of the Cheesegrater.
Aon’s commitment accounts for close to a third of the total office space being made available for rent at the building in central London, which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion at some point in mid-2014.
The building will sit opposite Lloyd’s of London, the centuries-old insurance market, and in the heart of one of the most thriving business districts in the world.
“We are delighted to have chosen The Leadenhall Building as our new London headquarters,” said Aon’s chief executive Robert Brown.
“The Aon Centre at the Leadenhall Building places us at the heart of the City’s insurance sector and the building’s impressive location and offices reflect our standing as the leading global professional services firm focussed on risk and human capital management.”
Both British Land and Oxford Properties suggested that the office rental commitment at least partly vindicates their decision to continue building office towers in the City of London despite a downturn in construction activity in recent years.
British Land is among the largest real estate investment trusts in Europe and offices in London’s West End and the City account for around a third of its overall portfolio.
Oxford Properties is the real estate unit of the Omers Worldwide Group, by which it was acquired in 2001. The company has 1,3000 employees globally and offices in Toronto and New York, as well as in London.
Editor’s notes: Development of the Cheesegrater office building which is also known as The Leadenhall Building, was completed in 2013.
In September 2023, a free-climber was arrested after scaling the 225-metre London skyscraper without the use of safety equipment.
City of London Police said a suspect was met by officers on the roof and then taken into custody.
As of May 2024, Aon rented space on floors 4 to 13 and also occupied space on the ground floor that is used as its reception area. The building was fully leased at the time – other tenants include Brit Insurance, MS Amlinm, flexible office space providers Servcorp, and Virgin Money.