Abingdon: Smeg UK enters the record books with HQ acquisition

Representing the largest office transaction on the Oxfordshire A34 corridor in 2014, Smeg UK, advised by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), has acquired the long leasehold interest in Canvas, a 43,000 sq ft office building on Abingdon Business Park.

Smeg UK instructed LSH to find it a self-contained office of over 30,000 sq ft as part of its expansion plan and, following comprehensive refurbishment, Canvas will provide the perfect grade A UK headquarters office building.

Kevin Wood, director for LSH Oxford, commented: “The Oxfordshire office market is critically tight in terms of supply and there is a dearth of available self-contained buildings over 30,000 sq ft. We quickly identified Canvas as the perfect opportunity for Smeg and secured it on competitive terms.”

LSH has also been appointed to manage and procure the fit-out of Canvas. Wood explained why this is an exciting project to work on: “We know that Smeg is the champion of contemporary design, so invigorating plans are in progress to create a vibrant and modern workplace in which the business can grow and flourish.”

Mike Giddings, Smeg UK managing director, commented: “We’re delighted to have secured a fantastic new head office building to support the brand’s ongoing expansion in the UK. Akin to Abingdon, Smeg has a wealth of history and heritage, and as a local employer and family-run business, we’re keen to continue to develop links with the Abingdon community. The new purposely-developed building will be an inspirational setting, a space epitomising the company’s values – at the forefront of technology, style and design."

Abingdon Business Park is set within 50 acres of mature landscaped grounds and provides 440,000 sq ft of mixed-office and industrial warehouse accommodation. Major occupiers include Kerry Ingredients, GE Medical Systems and Schlumberger.

LSH acted for Smeg UK. Savills and VSL & Partners advised the landlord.