SJ Berwin and LG have picked up lead roles as high street retailer Debenhams signed up to space from British Land for its new London headquarters.

British Land has agreed to pre-let 145,000 sq ft of office space to the retailer in a new office building in Regent's Place due to be completed in 2013.

Debenhams will occupy around 40% of 10 Brock Street, which is being developed as part of British Land's 500,000 sq ft North East Quadrant (NEQ) mixed use site.

LG real estate partner Catherine Diggle advised long-term client Debenhams on the transaction, alongside real estate partner Philip Baker and associate Edward Lewis.

SJ Berwin advised British Land, also a longstanding client, fielding a team under London real estate partner Darren Rogers that also included associates Nicola Springett and Joann Fernandes.

Rogers commented: "After about a year of negotiations it was incredibly satisfying to have Debenhams agree to take such a significant portion of the building. It is good to be involved in such a high-profile project that is going to continue the growth of the estate as a business and leisure hub."

The NEQ development will comprise 340,000 sq ft of offices along with 40,000 sq ft of retail and community space, as well as 120,000 sq ft of luxury residential apartments.

Regent's Place, which is in its final phase after nearly 25 years of development, comprises 1.5 million sq ft of office and residential space, within seven commercial buildings and 60 apartments.  Other companies selecting Regent's Place for their UK headquarters include Gazprom and Lend Lease.