News
Custodian REIT invests in digital office infrastructure with Backbone Connect
Custodian REIT PLC has chosen Backbone Connect to provide high-capacity digital infrastructure at four of its prime office buildings, reflecting the growing importance of technology for securing new workplace tenants.
Backbone Connect will deliver fibre internet services across 40,000 sq ft of office space at Lancaster House in Birmingham and at the recently refurbished 60 Fountain Street in Manchester city centre.
Backbone Connect will also provide high-capacity internet for 3 Lochside Way, a 25,000 sq ft office at Edinburgh Park – a premium business park where current occupiers include JP Morgan, Lloyds Bank and Miller Homes. The fourth building is 250 West George House, a five-storey heritage conversion in Glasgow’s central business district, where Backbone Connect will provide fibre internet and Wi-Fi.
Backbone Connect will pre-install connectivity systems for all four buildings. This means that they will be ready for tenants to move into immediately, avoiding wayleaves which can add to occupiers’ costs and delay moving times by several months. Research by Backbone Connect has found that robust digital connectivity is becoming increasingly important in businesses’ choice of new office space, trumping price and even location.
Charlie Booth, connected buildings team manager at Backbone Connect, said: “These signings are more evidence of how leasing strategies across the UK’s major cities are changing. Good connectivity is jumping up occupiers’ wishlists and Backbone Connect is well placed to help landlords respond in these highly competitive markets. London traditionally led the way on digital investment but as Covid redraws the map for commercial space, it’s fast becoming a dealmaker for tenants across the country.”