Clearbell Property Partners III LP (Clearbell), a fund managed by Clearbell Capital LLP, has confirmed three new lettings at the iconic Kodak Building on London’s Kingsway, marking significant leasing progress following the building’s extensive 2024 refurbishment.

IAB UK, a not-for-profit company representing hundreds of digital advertising businesses, has secured 2,761 sq ft of prime space under a 10-year lease term. The company, which helps its members to tackle industry problems and pursue growth through digital advertising, relocated to Kodak from another Covent Garden workspace, representing a step to take advantage of a more sustainable space.

JAA (John Ayling & Associates), an independent media agency that was founded in 1978, has taken 8,144 sq ft on the sixth floor. This is under a 10-year lease term, including a fifth-year tenant break option.

The new arrivals strengthen the emergence of a central London hub for digital media and advertising businesses within the Kodak Building’s diverse tenant mix. IAB UK and JAA join existing tenants Curzon, PubMatic and Reddit. 

Office staff will now also be close to high-quality Japanese dining concept Omusubi, which has taken 1,856 sq ft of ground floor space, enriching the building’s ground floor retail and dining options and reflecting Clearbell’s focus on curating a tenant mix that enhances the overall building experience.

Originally built in 1911 as the UK HQ of iconic photography pioneers, Kodak, the Grade II listed building holds the distinction of being London’s first purpose-built, open-plan office block, complete with ancillary labs and photographic rooms. In 2024, the building underwent an extensive redevelopment and repositioning by Clearbell to bring new life into its historic shell. It now comprises 70,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation set over eight stories.

Sustainability was a key focus of the redevelopment, exemplified through its achievement of an EPC rating of A, despite being Grade II listed, a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and a WELL Gold certification.

Customers will also benefit from several well-being focussed amenities such as bike racks, showers and lockers, increased access to natural light and communal outdoor space on the building’s expansive roof terrace. 

There is now just 17,187 sq ft of space across two floors available to rent at Kodak.

These lettings show the value of our investment approach. We acquired the Kodak Building when it was substantially vacant, invested in a comprehensive refurbishment with sustainability at its core and have carefully curated a complementary tenant community.

IAB UK and JAA join our growing cluster of media and digital advertising expertise alongside Reddit and PubMatic, while Omusubi enhances the building’s offering for all our office occupiers. It’s the same asset management approach we’re applying across our portfolio.

The Kodak Building’s success demonstrates that you can honour London’s architectural heritage while delivering the modern, sustainable workplaces that tenants want.”

Ben Tolhurst, Asset Management Director

This relocation represents a natural progression for JAA. We’ve always punched above our weight and our new, open and dynamic space will further fuel creativity, collaboration and innovation. The Kodak building reflects our ethos of continuous growth and trusted experience; blending old and new. It’s a space that matches the energy, talent and ambition defining the agency for today and the future.”

Richard Temple, CEO of JAA

Clearbell was represented by Knight Frank and Farebrother.