Blandys signs for 10 more years

Law firm Blandy & Blandy has signed two 10-year lease renewals for its central Reading offices.

The deals will see the firm remain at its existing premises at 1 Friar Street and 33 Blagrave Street following negotiations with the landlords by Reading-based property consultants, Vail Williams.

The firm, founded in 1733, has been based at 1 Friar Street – now home to its wills, probate, tax & trusts, family law, planning and property teams – since 1798 when John Blandy took a lease from John Blagrave for £4 per year. The new lease will end shortly before the firm celebrates its 300th anniversary.

Blandy & Blandy’s firm’s corporate & commercial, employment and dispute resolution teams have occupied the ground floor of 33 Blagrave Street since 2015.

Chairman Brenda Long, said: “We are delighted to recommit to both our premises in Reading, which provide fantastically situated locations for our clients and colleagues. With a heritage dating back to the 18th Century, this corner of Reading really does feel like home to our firm.

“It is exciting to be investing further in Reading during a time of real change for the town. Landmark developments including the likes of Station Hill and the introduction of Crossrail will see the area continue to go from strength to strength and we are very pleased to remain amongst these exciting changes.”

David Barden, partner at Vail Williams, which acted for Blandy & Blandy, said: “We’re pleased to have helped Blandy & Blandy retain their presence at both office locations in Reading, something which was incredibly important to the firm.

“Reading ranks second in the UK for growth and we’re witnessing increasing demand for office space in the town. We expect this to continue into 2020 as more and more businesses look to Reading and the wider Thames Valley, as a place to locate and do business in.”

Ms Long concluded: “We are focused on providing our clients with an outstanding experience that reflects our firm’s reputation and values, and this of course includes welcoming them to premises that we can be proud of.”

The leases will end shortly before the firm celebrates its 300th anniversary. A refurbishment, due for completion later this year, is underway at 1 Friar Street. The firm’s offices will remain open.

Image (l-r): Blandy and Blandy chairman and partner Brenda Long, Vail Williams partner David Barden, Blandy & Blandy joint managing partner, Tim Clark at 1 Friar Street.