RBS downsizes its Bankside offices

In 2007 RBS took out a 20-year lease on the blocks known as Bankside 2 and Bankside 3, and constructed a new bridge to connect the two buildings.

Now the bank has decided to sub-let Bankside 2 or assign the lease if a new tenant can be found.

"The decision to let Bankside 2 is in line with our strategy to reduce the bank's London office portfolio and relates purely to internal staff moves in Central London," said Neil Austin of the RBS property team.

"Making better use of existing space, desks and facilities has enabled us to reduce costs and our environmental footprint in London considerably, while continuing to meet the needs of our core businesses."

Bankside 2 is the middle of the three Allies and Morrison-designed office blocks which were built in the mid-2000s on the site St Christopher House.

RBS will continue to occupy Bankside 3, the easternmost building, which adjoins Great Guildford Street.

Developer Land Securities sold the freehold of Bankside 2 and 3 last autumn for £315 million.