Wates Group has completed the Welcome Building, a 207,000 sq ft, nine-storey commercial space in Bristol. The project has been delivered in a joint venture between Trammell Crow Company and EPISO 5, a fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners.
The project is a landmark in the city centre setting a new standard for sustainability, wellbeing and community with advanced ESG credentials. The building is targeting net zero carbon in operation and is one of Bristol’s first fully electric workspaces.
The project supports Bristol’s net zero by 2030 target and the UK’s 2050 decarbonisation goals. The building achieved EPC A and a Design For Performance NABERS UK target rating of five stars for building efficiency, and is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification. It also sets new standards for occupier wellbeing as the first Bristol office development to target Well Platinum Certification.
All materials used during the construction process were 100 per cent recyclable, and the building uses solar energy, low carbon materials and smart technology to optimise efficiency.
It is also the first office to extract all its heat from a zero-carbon water source heat pump, connected to the Bristol Heat Network. These features mean the building is on track to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in both CO2 emissions and water consumption.
A unique feature of the building is the ‘street’ on the ground floor with homely, hotel-style breakout areas, a café bar, events space, wellness mezzanine and commissioned public art. It has been designed to create an inclusive, vibrant and collaborative community hub.
Through this project, Wates has delivered additional social value for the surrounding local community. Wates employed a local apprentice and trainees on the site, as well as running work experience programmes and supporting site visits for students of the University of Bristol Civil Engineering, the University of the West of England, and Women in Property South West.
A total of £5,000 was also donated to The Dings Youth Club and 440 trees were planted during a community day for the project.
Project delivery partners include Darling Associates Architects, Hoare Lea and Gillespies.
Mark Craig, Regional Managing Director for the South at Wates Group said: “Welcome Building represents our commitment to reimagining places for people to thrive.
“Designed as a climate-friendly, user-focused, and inclusive office space for Bristol, not only is this landmark project truly sustainable but it delivers meaningful impact on the local community, setting a new standard for development in the city.”
Image Credit: Ben Dale Photography
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