Success in Soho

Benchmark Group PLC
13 December 1999


                  SUCCESS FOR BENCHMARK IN SOHO

Benchmark Group PLC ('Benchmark'), the specialist Central  London
property  investment  and  development  company,  announces   the
successful  letting of the majority of its office development  at
33  Glasshouse Street immediately behind the Aquascutum  building
on Regent Street, W1.

The offices, which have recently been re-developed to provide air-
conditioned  modern  office  space in  flexible  units,  comprise
approximately 2,323 sq m (25,000 sq ft).

The  3rd,  6th and 7th floors comprising approximately  1,022  sq m
(11,000  sq  ft) have been let for a term of 15 years  without  a
break to NewMedia SPARK, the recently floated internet investment
company, at a rent of around £38 per sq ft.

The 5th floor, comprising approximately 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft), has
been  let for a term of 15 years without a break, to UKinvest.com
at a rent of around £38 per sq ft.

The remaining 4th floor, comprising 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft), is
still available and is attracting much interest.

Nigel  Kempner, Chief Executive of Benchmark, said:  'This  is  a
remarkably  good result for us and shows that if  you  build  the
right  type of space in the right location for the right type  of
occupier, you achieve the best rents.  We are very happy to  have
built  space,  which  is attractive to internet  companies.   Our
overall return, as a result of the lettings, on our original cost
of  purchase  of  the Aquascutum building has well  exceeded  our
expectations.'


For further information please contact:

Nigel Kempner                     Karen Roberts / Jeremy Carey
Benchmark Group PLC               Tavistock Communications
Tel:  [phone]               Tel:  [phone]