TFL has signed up to become the first office occupier at the Shard, London Bridge

Transport for London has signed up to become the first office occupier at the 66 storey Shard skyscraper at London Bridge Property Week has learnt.

The deal, as revealed in Property Week (news 07.04.06), will see TfL take around 200,000 sq ft (18,580 sq m) of offices at the scheme being developed by Irvine Sellar's Sellar Property Group, CLS Holdings and Simon Halabi’s Buckingham Securities.

TfL is also in advanced talks to take around 220,000 sq ft (20,438 sq m) at Malory Clifford and Royal London's Will Alsop-designed 300,000 sq ft (27,870 sq m) Palestra scheme opposite Southwark Tube station.

The transport body is prepared to occupy both sites, helped by their proximity. Mayor Ken Livingstone, who chairs the TfL board, is understood to be keen to continue regeneration in the area.

Advised by Drivers Jonas, TfL has been searching for up to 600,000 sq ft (55,741 sq m) in London for 2,000 staff. It presently occupies several properties, including the 45,000 sq ft (4,180 sq m) Land Securities' LandFlex property in Earl's Court, Windsor House in Victoria, 55 Broadway and 200 Buckingham Palace Road.