REALIS

09 Mar 2026

Our role

Investec Bank plc announced that Investec REALIS (“REALIS”), the equity strategy launched in 2024 by Investec, has acquired 2 College Square, a 53,000 sq ft office in the heart of Bristol’s Harbourside.

In line with REALIS’s strategy of working alongside best-in-class operating partners, XLB will be responsible for asset and development management, alongside sourcing future acquisition opportunities.

Constructed in 2011 and located in Bristol’s historic Harbourside, 2 College Square offers flexible floorplates in a prominent central business district location and is currently 75% occupied, predominantly by law firm CMS and investment manager Hargreaves Lansdown.

REALIS and XLB intend to undertake a modernisation programme focused on enhancing the building’s specification and amenities, including the introduction of a roof terrace, repositioning the common areas, improving end-of-trip facilities and refurbishing vacant office space, with the aim of meeting modern occupier demand and capturing the asset’s reversionary potential.

The Bristol CBD office occupational market enjoyed a strong 2025, with Grade A rents now more than £50 per sq ft.

Tom Punch, Real Estate Equity Specialist at Investec, commented: “This acquisition exemplifies REALIS’ core office strategy of partnering with best-in-class operating partners to modernise high-quality assets with strong fundamentals in supply-constrained markets. We’re delighted to extend our partnership with XLB and look forward to delivering a best-in-class scheme for occupiers.”

William Poole, Partner at XLB, added: “Bristol benefits from a strong occupier base and a limited Grade A pipeline over the next 24 months. 2 College Square has excellent fundamentals and the planned programme will materially enhance the occupier offer. XLB looks forward to working alongside Investec REALIS to deliver improvements that strengthen the building’s competitiveness and drive performance.”

Investec REALIS and XLB were advised by DTRE and Shepherd & Wedderburn.

About XLB

XLB is a leading operating partner in the business space sector. The company was formed in 2009 and specialises in the development and asset management of real estate assets alongside Private Equity and Institutional investors. The company has assets under management of £1bn.

About REALIS

REALIS launched in 2024 following a period of rapid repricing within select parts of the real estate market. Investors benefit from Investec’s established, data-led deal origination platform, which has enabled it to build a c.£3 billion real estate loan book and strong global network of 150+ operating partners.