Phillips Law, through Consultant Clare Strachan, has advised Circle, the privately owned project delivery consultancy, on the grant of a new office lease for the entire first floor at 1 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, with Legal & General as landlord.

Clare guided the deal from initial instruction through to completion within eight weeks — a compressed timetable driven by tight commercial deadlines and the requirement to complete before December 2025.

The lease represents a substantial Central London office letting, agreed at a premium rental level reflecting the quality of the space and prime location. Structured as a full repairing and insuring (FRI) lease, it secures Circle a Covent Garden base aligned with its operational and growth objectives.

“This was a deal where timing and structure really mattered. The challenge was aligning the legal framework with the practical realities of outstanding landlord works and a live tenant fit-out programme, all within an ambitious commercial timetable.”

— Clare Strachan, Consultant, Phillips Law

Commercial Delivery Under Pressure

The lease documentation needed to accommodate outstanding landlord works following completion, while also aligning with Circle’s fit-out and branding, all on a tightly coordinated timetable running through to the end of 2025.

A technically detailed lease and ancillary agreements were required to reflect the sequencing of works, allocate risk effectively, and maintain momentum, ensuring the legal structure supported delivery rather than introducing delays.

About Circle

Circle is a privately owned project delivery consultancy operating across the built environment. The business provides integrated services including project management, quantity surveying, carbon management, employer’s agent, and quality assurance, supporting clients from early project stages through to delivery.

The move to 1 Bedford Street provides Circle with a Central London base that reflects the scale, maturity, and collaborative culture of the business.

Client Comment

“This was a time-critical and technically detailed lease, and Clare’s involvement was central to its success. She understood our commercial priorities immediately and managed the process with clarity and efficiency, particularly in coordinating the landlord works alongside our fit-out programme. Her judgement and responsiveness made a real difference.”

— Joe Cutler, Managing Director, Circle

Get in Touch

For advice on commercial leasing, office relocations, or complex landlord and tenant matters, please contact Clare Strachan or the Phillips Law Commercial Property team. Clare advises a broad range of occupiers and landlords on London office transactions and is known for delivering clear, pragmatic advice aligned with commercial objectives.

Email: [email protected]

Call: 01256 460830