LONDON-Search engine operator Google UK has taken 14,596 sf of offices in The Courtyard, Derwent Valley's office refurbishment scheme on Charing Cross Road, London WC2. The Soho area had proved popular with dot.com companies during the Internet boom of the late 1990s, but activity has slowed recently.

Google is paying £510,860 per ($835,000) per annum for a ten year lease with an upwards only rent review at the fifth year. The tenant will receive a nine month rent-free period, as well as a capital contribution equating to nine months' rent. The tenant has an option to break the lease at the end of the fifth year but if this is exercised, a six month rent penalty will be payable.

The Courtyard, which is close to Soho Square, is a recently refurbished office and retail scheme of 34,075 sf, which includes a new penthouse office floor. Following the letting to Google and the earlier letting of the 8,640 sf of retail space, two floors of offices, totalling 10,840 sf are still available.