Japanese funds power Edge Shaftesbury development

Sustainable office developer Edge and Mitsubishi Estate London have secured financial backing from a group of Japanese partners for the Edge Shaftesbury office development.

Edge Shaftesbury

The consortium of Japanese equity investors includes Tokyo Tatemono, Toko Electrical Construction, and Fuyo General Lease, while development financing has been obtained from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SMTB). 
This comprehensive funding package allows construction to begin on a speculative basis in early 2026.
The project, which received unanimous approval from Camden Council's planning committee in April, involves transforming an existing 1980s building. The revamped structure will expand from 11 to 13 floors, offering 23,225 m² of modern workspace, complete with ground-level workspaces, rooftop terraces, premium end-of-trip facilities, and secure bike parking.
The development will also enhance the surrounding area with a new entrance on Charing Cross Road, improved public spaces, and more active ground-floor frontages, while also re-establishing a connection between Old Compton Street and New Compton Street.
Fons van Dorst, executive managing director UK at Edge, said: “This project will bring new life to a key part of the West End while setting a high bar for sustainable, future-focused workspaces. We are pleased to move into the delivery phase and look forward to creating a building that serves its occupiers, its neighbours and the wider city for many years to come.”
Shinichi Kagitomi, chief executive of Mitsubishi Estate London, added: “We are pleased to be working alongside a group of well-respected investors to deliver a flagship office scheme in this underserved market. With start-of-works now imminent, we look forward to progressing the project and advancing our discussions with prospective occupiers.”
Fumio Tajima, managing executive officer of Tokyo Tatemono, said: We are honoured to make our first investment in the UK market by partnering with Edge and Mitsubishi Estate London, renowned leaders with exceptional expertise, to deliver a flagship, sustainable prime office development. This milestone marks Tokyo Tatemono's entry into the UK, and we are committed to leveraging this opportunity to create long-term value and set new standards for environmentally responsible urban development.”
Sohail Nassiri, head of European Real Estate Finance at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, said: “We are thrilled to continue supporting our relationship with Mitsubishi Estate London, and to embark on a new relationship with Edge by providing this important £360 mln sole arranger financing. Edge Shaftesbury will deliver a sustainable, high-specification workspace building, positively impacting the community and the built environment. We remain committed to partnering on such schemes.”
Completion is anticipated in 2028. JLL advised on both the equity and debt deals.