Office build - up in London during 2017 broke the one million sq ft barrier for the first time , in spite of a slow first half to the year , according to data from the city 's Office finance Forum . The year saw a total of 130 deals and beating the previous record of 970,458 sq ft in 2015 . The deals were given a fillip by demand linked to the proposed HS2 high - speed rail link , and the UK government committing to the city 's biggest pre - bid in 10 years .
Office take-up in Birmingham during 2017 broke the one million sq ft barrier for the first time, in spite of a slow first half to the year, according to data from the city's Office Market Forum. The year saw a total of 130 deals and beating the previous record of 970,458 sq ft in 2015. The figures were given a fillip by demand linked to the planned HS2 high-speed rail link, and the UK government committing to the city's biggest pre-let in 10 years.