GLOBAL healthcare giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has taken up occupancy on the third floor of the distinctive seven-storey Quay Gate House building in Belfast.
The significant new letting has been secured by commercial property agency Lisney.
Containing around 15,000 sq ft of office space and offering a large on-site car park, the distinctive yellow-clad structure is currently home to a range of different businesses.
GSK was formed in 2000 as a result of a merger between Glaxo Wellcome plc and SmithKline Beecham plc, although its history can be traced back much further than that to London’s Plough Court Pharmacy in the 1700s.
The science-led global healthcare company researches and develops a broad range of innovative products in the primary areas of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and consumer healthcare.
The company's Northern Ireland business director Dino Karmiotis said: “It's fantastic to have moved into Quay Gate House, which meets our business needs perfectly.
"The level of service and flexibility we have received both from the landlord and Lisney has been first class and we are very happy tenants in these premises.”
Andrew Gawley, associate director at Lisney, said: “We are delighted to secure a high-profile tenant such as GSK for our landlord The McKay Group.
"Quay Gate House is a landmark property in Belfast and, with its roof garden and panoramic views of the city centre, the building is unique.
“Lisney has a strong pedigree in letting office premises and the team was well placed to secure an excellent tenant for our client."
He added: “With an increasing lack of office space in the city centre, businesses are looking for alternatives. Quay Gate House has become a popular location for a host of reasons, not least its superb location just off the M3 fly-over and proximity to the city centre.
“This latest letting to GSK was put together on a serviced office style format based on an all-inclusive deal. This saw the landlord also provide furniture and IT to GSK which, though not the norm for an office letting, illustrates the success that can be achieved when a landlord shows a flexible approach and works alongside tenants.”
Lisney has also brought a further floor within the building onto the market and has received excellent interest to date.
