SOLICITORS Penningtons will be the first to move into one of the new Renaissance showpiece offices on Basing View.

The legal eagles' Christmas present was the keys to the door so that work can begin on the fit-out for a February move from their current offices in nearby Bunnian Place.

Penningtons have been connected with Basingstoke since 1948 and managing partner Franco Bosi said: "This move is a long-term commitment to Basingstoke."

A team of 50 will move on to Renaissance Park and will include staff relocating from the London and Godalming offices early in 2002.

Mr Bosi said: "Basingstoke is great as a town and great for us. We started the process for Renaissance last year and, not withstanding the events of September 11, we still went ahead."

He added: "This move confirms our commitment to developing our practice in the south of England.

"As the leading legal adviser for the Basingstoke area, it is fitting that we are the first to reserve offices in what will be a landmark scheme for the town.

"Everyone at Penningtons is looking forward to moving into this new development.

"Lawyers spend most of their time in little boxes. This building is going to be open plan for team working and team spirit."

As part of the green transport initiative, Penningtons' staff will have shower facilities to encourage them to leave the car at home and jog or cycle to work.

Renaissance Park is the first new scheme on Basing View for a decade and is part of the re-generation of the business area.

Penningtons has taken a building of 12,450sqft. The top floor will be sub-let but Mr Bosi expects to fill it with Penningtons' staff within three years.

The solicitors have signed a 15-year lease at a headline rent of £19 a square foot which includes a rent-free period.

It leaves two buildings of 22,410sqft and 36,500sqft still standing empty but Malcolm McPhail, managing director of Lamron Estates, is confident that will not be the case for long.

He said: "This is a very important scheme for Basingstoke which has seen no new office development in the town centre for over 10 years.

"Penningtons' decision shows the effect of providing high-quality office space with generous town centre parking.

"The outlook for the other two buildings in the scheme also looks promising."

Together with his funding partner Scottish Mutual, Mr McPhail will launch a new marketing campaign for the remaining buildings in the new year.

Lamron's letting agents were Baker Davidson Thomas, GVA Grimley and Saxon Law. Commercial agents Woodford & Company advised Penningtons.