The 5,009-sf ground floor has been taken by patent agents Boult Wade Tenant. The company has agreed a 10-year lease with no break options at a rent of £20.50 ($32) per sf. And the 4,995-sf first floor has been sub-let to Eurofactor, a subsidiary of Credit Lyonnais. Again, the tenant has agreed a 10-year lease with no break options, at a rent of £21 ($33) per sf. Willis still occupies 5,000 sf on the second floor of the building, which is next to the Oracle shopping Centre and the River Kennet.

Willis was advised by ATIS REAL Weatheralls and Hicks Baker. Kinney Green advised Bolt Wade Tenant and Fairweathers acted for Eurofactor.

John Harcourt, associate director in ATIS REAL Weatheralls' SE office agency team, said: "There has recently been a spate of letting activity in Reading town centre, demonstrating something of a resurgence in demand for good quality space from good quality tenants after a period of stagnation. It is too early to call this a turning point in the market but it is nevertheless encouraging to see that an increasing number of robust companies are prepared to commit to space, even if the overriding sentiment remains somewhat cautious."