Friends Provident today announces it will relocate its head office to the landmark One New Change development in the City of London. The iconic new site on London’s Cheapside is set to provide a relevant and fitting home for the enlarged organisation, following the acquisition of the majority of AXA’s UK life business by the company’s owner Resolution Ltd in September 2010.
The move is expected to take place in April 2011, when Friends Provident will leave its current site in nearby Wood Street. Around 200 staff will initially be based in the new office, including the Group’s executive directors and corporate teams, occupying 48,000 sq. ft. of space. The site will become the Group’s headquarters.
Friends Provident, which has been looking to relocate following the acquisition of the AXA business, will be one of the first companies to occupy the new offices. The company’s new home comes ahead of its planned launch of the combined business as Friends Life.
David Hynam, Executive Director, Operations at Friends Provident said:
“There is a real synergy between the flexible, contemporary office space at One New Change and our ambition for Friends Provident to be a progressive, industry-leading financial services company.
“We are excited about the move which will give us the space to bring our recently expanded business together under one roof, while still remaining right at the heart of the city.”
Designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel, One New Change is Land Securities’ latest development; the £540m retail and office complex opened in October 2010.
Source : Friends Provident Press Release
