The owner of the Evening Standard and the Independent newspapers is looking at options for new London headquarters.
ESI Media, which is owned by Russian oligarch Alexander Lebedev, wants to move ahead of its lease expiry at Northcliffe House in Kensington, W8, in the second quarter of next year.
It currently occupies 28,000 sq ft but has tasked Lambert Smith Hampton with finding as much as 40,000 sq ft to accommodate growth.
It is considering options across zone one, excluding Mayfair and St James’s, with a view to agreeing a deal in Q4 2016.
ESI is one of several publishers currently seeking new offices in London.
Financial Times owner Nikkei has appointed CBRE to examine its options, while Esquire publisher Hearst has asked Cushman & Wakefield to renew its search for a new home.
Trinity Mirror is also expected to agree a new lease in the coming months but is expected to remain within the Canary Wharf estate, E14.
A cost-cutting plan to combat heavy losses at the Guardian, which were revealed last month, coupled with rising rents in King’s Cross, N1, could also lead to downsizing or relocation.
