Department of Work and Pensions takes over 25,000-sq-ft HM Revenue and Customs office in Northampton town centre

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is to take almost 25,000-sq-ft of space in Northampton, described as one of the town’s biggest office lettings so far this year.

The letting at Princess House in Cliftonville will see the DWP replace fellow government department HM Revenue and Customs, which is relocating after 10 years of occupancy following the expiration of its lease.

Ed Harrowsmith, director at Helmsley Group which owns the building, said: “This is a landmark property transaction given the present market conditions and we are delighted to have secured the DWP as an anchor tenant at Princess House.

“Helmsley boasts a diversified and resilient portfolio of commercial properties in strong town and city locations such as Northampton and this letting is further evidence of this.”

Chris Drummond, director at TDB Real Estate, which secured the letting on behalf of Helmsley Group, added: “This is a blue-chip covenant and a strong indicator of confidence in the Northamptonshire property market.

“Take-up in towns such as Northampton has been limited over the last 12 months given the uncertainty caused by Covid-19 so this is a sizeable letting in what is still a challenging market.

"Princess House is now fully let, which is excellent news.”

Office space in the neighbouring multi-storey Woodlands House is available for letting.

Both buildings are ideally located on the edge of Northampton town centre officering excellent access to the A45 and M1, according to Helmsley Group.