Sky News moves to the Gherkin

It has been announced this week that Sky News has moved offices and studios to the iconic Gherkin building in the City of London.

Abbey Business Centres announced that Sky News had joined their clients at 30 St Mary Axe, better known as the Gherkin, in the City of London. Sky News’ Chief Business Editor Jeff Randall’s team will be presenting live from the building on the 15th floor.

The Gherkin is an ideal move for Sky News, the location is in the heart of the financial district of London and their floor offers panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower 42 and Westminster. The views will be a breathtaking backdrop to the broadcasts which will also be done live from the studios there.

In a press release for Abbey Business Centres, Chris Birkett, Executive Editor for Sky News commented, “The recession has undoubtedly been the most dominant and recurring news story of the last 18 months and it made sense for us to seek a base in the City of London to enable us to stay on the pulse of the latest crucial business stories. The very nature of The Gherkin, and the views that come with it, meant this was the only logical location for us.”

Julie Calder, MD for Abbey Business Centres commented on the logistics of moving both offices and studios for the broadcaster, “Though accommodating a studio, lighting equipment and a substantial production team was more of a challenge compared to more traditional office move-ins, the fact that we were even able to configure the space for Sky’s requirements just goes to show how much a serviced office can be of value to businesses – however large or small they may be. It’s great to welcome yet another strong brand into London’s most iconic building.”

The addition of Sky News to the business centre is another major move into serviced offices for a well-known brand in London. Business centres and office space are becoming scarce in London, and competition is becoming fierce as less new developments were built during the recession. However the more pick-up in existing developments the more money can be pumped into new buildings, as iconic as the Gherkin.