Global real estate investment management firm, Blue Noble LLP, has announced plans to refurbish Eleven Brindleyplace, a 110,000 sq ft Grade A office building in Birmingham city centre. The new design will reconfigure the building’s substantial double height reception and ground floor business lounge and deliver best-in-class amenities including an
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured planning consent on behalf of Harwell Science and Innovation Campus for a new 53,000 sq ft (GIA) office building for the popular science campus. Consent was awarded by the Vale of White Horse District Council in June. The new office building will be
Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has completed a new Management Agreement with WTW to create a high spec flexible workspace at 51 Lime Street in the City of London. The new space will open at the end of 2023. 36,000 sq ft of flexible workspace will be designed and created to provide
Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council have revealed the first steel structure for the landmark Pentre Awel project. This is the first of five buildings and will house education and business development. Leaders from Carmarthenshire County Council joined representatives from Bouygues UK and local contractors Shufflebottom and Dyfed Steels to
Stanhope has announced the launch of construction work on the transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, adjacent to the National Theatre, to create a premier, sustainable office space. Multiplex has been appointed as main contractor for the 18 month construction contract. The historic Grade II listed building is being sensitively
An urban renewal project in the Parisian suburb of Clichy-La-Garenne will become the largest low-carbon building in France. The bustling 47,000m2 urban campus, known as BLACK, is set to provide users with a true ‘workplace of tomorrow’ by creating a sustainable and inspiring modern workspace within commutable distance from La
Seoul, South Korea: almost 10 million inhabitants and an extraordinary economic-financial structure that places it among the world’s strongest economies. This is home to the headquarters of some of the most famous multinationals, embedded in an incredibly high housing and demographic background. Offices, industries, trade centres, banks and financial institutions
The Schroders Capital UK Real Estate Fund (‘SCREF’) has secured planning permission to redevelop Minerva House, Fitzroy House, and Telephone Exchange, contiguous, part Grade II listed landmark office buildings on Chenies Street in Bloomsbury into a 106,736 sq ft high-quality workspace, a 37% increase on the current floor area, following
Boultbee Brooks Real Estate has announced the completion of Pressworks located on Ambrose Street, Cheltenham. Pressworks is a newly refurbished and extended office building in Cheltenham’s historic and picturesque Central Conservation Area, close to the town centre and just a short 18-minute walk from Cheltenham Spa train station. Offering three
Paramount has won a prestigious £11-million contract to transform a Bristol city centre office complex for global investment bank, Credit Suisse. The design, build, fit-out and refurbishment specialist has been tasked with providing a high-spec refurbishment of the building on Temple Quay, with the view of creating one of Bristol’s greenest
Global real estate investment management firm, Blue Noble LLP, has announced plans to refurbish Eleven Brindleyplace, a 110,000 sq ft Grade A office building in Birmingham city centre. The new design will reconfigure the building’s substantial double height reception and ground floor business lounge and deliver best-in-class amenities including an on-site café and a client event space. With strong focus on ESG, the scheme also includes an upgrade to ‘end of journey’ facilities, comprising secure bicycle storage and repair station, fully equipped showers and lockers. Interior design consultancy Office Principles North, has been awarded the refurbishment contract and the project is due to complete in October 2023. Nicole Steed, director of asset management at Blue Noble, said: “We’re excited to progress our plans to further enhance the facilities at Eleven Brindleyplace. We are proud to be delivering this scheme to an already impressive building, creating outstanding and well configured on-site amenities that provide the space and experience modern occupiers want.” Eleven Brindleyplace boasts floor-to-ceiling glazing on all 12 floors, with 24-hour access and on-site parking. Carter Jonas and Fisher German are leasing agents marketing 38,000 sq ft of available office space at the building. Alex Tross, partner and head of office agency Midlands at Carter Jonas, said: “The high-quality, affordable office space and range of amenities make Eleven Brindleyplace an ideal base for businesses looking to establish a presence in Birmingham’s thriving business community. The building offers convenient access to the city centre and benefits from both secure parking and close proximity to local transportation links, including the West Midlands Metro.” Charles Warrack, partner at Fisher German, said: “Eleven Brindleyplace is an ideal opportunity for occupiers to secure some of the best office space in Birmingham, as the market bounces back and occupiers seek a flight to quality accommodation.” For more information on availability at Eleven Brindleyplace, please contact Alex Tross at Carter Jonas on 0121 306 0401 and Charles Warrack at Fisher German on 0121 561 7885, or visit https://www.elevenbrindleyplace.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured planning consent on behalf of Harwell Science and Innovation Campus for a new 53,000 sq ft (GIA) office building for the popular science campus. Consent was awarded by the Vale of White Horse District Council in June. The new office building will be occupied by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), but has been designed to provide flexibility. In addition to workspaces, the planning consent also includes breakout areas inside and outside of the building for staff and visitors, enhanced landscaping and tree planting, and car and cycle parking provision adjacent to the building. Harwell Campus is located within The Science Vale UK area, an internationally significant location for innovation and science-based research and business. The 700-acre campus is home to numerous organisations, predominantly in the innovation technologies sector, and provides employment to around 6,500 people working in over 225 organisations. Katherine Jones, Associate Partner, Planning and Development, Carter Jonas, commented: “Carter Jonas is involved in planning widely across Harwell Campus – from strategic planning through to individual applications such as this. A specialist nuclear cluster has emerged at Harwell, and consequently, there is ongoing demand for space. We are pleased to have played a part in fulfilling this requirement.” Monika Zemla, Director of Leasing and Business Development at Harwell Campus, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning for the Dexter development. Dexter will be occupied by NDA, whose crucial work will pave the way for the realisation of our masterplan vision and will enable further expansion of our globally renowned science community.” Having managed and submitted the planning application, Carter Jonas will continue to be involved through the discharging of the planning conditions.
Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has completed a new Management Agreement with WTW to create a high spec flexible workspace at 51 Lime Street in the City of London. The new space will open at the end of 2023. 36,000 sq ft of flexible workspace will be designed and created to provide a large number of workstations on the 6th and 7th floors of the 27-storey tower. In addition, substantial collaboration, restaurant, terrace, meeting and event spaces. Designed by Norman Foster and located in the centre of the City opposite the Lloyd’s Building, 51 Lime Street is one of the City’s most iconic developments with 44,000 sq m (473,612 sq ft) of space and is one of the taller buildings in the City. The location is in the heart of EC3 with many local amenities – including restaurants, coffee bars, gyms and hotels – only a short walk away. The new workspace is designed to be a modern, flexible base for the City’s professional and financial businesses, and offers brand new: 51 Lime Street is the seventh flexible workspace that Orega has launched in London and the third in the City. The company now offers flex space from 26 locations across the UK and is the UK’s leading provider of flexible workspace under Management Agreements. Ben Hutchen, Real Estate Director at Orega, commented: “By offering our joint venture Management Agreement, Orega provides a forward-thinking disposal solution to corporates who may be looking to re-purpose their excess space, following changes in working patterns. Our Management Agreement not only enables corporate businesses to quickly mitigate excess real estate costs, but also provides them with modern hospitality-led amenities, as well as enabling them to keep control of their space. This is essential when brand retention and potential re-occupation are important considerations. As a result, more and more large occupiers are considering this route.” Lynsey O’Keefe COO of Orega added, “51 Lime Street is an iconic building, and we are excited about the opportunity to bring to market premium flex space with everything to meet today’s working needs. We continue to see increasing demand for flex space in the City of London, and we now have seven flexible workspace centres in London as a whole.” WTW were advised by BNP and Colliers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council have revealed the first steel structure for the landmark Pentre Awel project. This is the first of five buildings and will house education and business development. Leaders from Carmarthenshire County Council joined representatives from Bouygues UK and local contractors Shufflebottom and Dyfed Steels to view the steel structure, which marks a significant milestone in the project. The multi-million pound development is being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales. It will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million) and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales. Lead contractor Bouygues UK is committed to using local subcontractors as part of its commitment to provide employment, training and skills opportunities to local people and underrepresented groups. Dyfed Steels is providing the reinforcement bar for the project’s foundations which has 98% recycled content, and Shufflebottom is providing the structural steel for the building, which has 80% recycled content. With a commitment to the heritage of the area, the steel frame also provides the historical link to the previous industrial buildings that were located on the site. These including South Wales Tinplate Works and the Richard Thomas (Tinplate) Mills. Peter Sharpe, Bouygues UK’s Pentre Awel Project Director, said the steel structure marks a significant part of the project. He said: “This is a major construction milestone at Pentre Awel and an exciting one as we can really start to see the structure taking shape providing the scale of the project. Steel framing has a proven track record of providing sustainable benefits and it also offers significant cost benefits compared to alternative materials. For us it’s very important that we have as many local sub-contractors as possible working with us on this project and it’s great to welcome our guests from local companies Shufflebottom and Dyfed Steels to see the progress that is being made here.” Cllr. Darren Price, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council: “Whilst works have been progressing at pace for many months, this milestone represents the start of aboveground works. We are delighted that Carmarthenshire businesses, Shufflebottom of Cross Hands and Dyfed Steels of Dafen, are playing such a significant part in the construction of Zone 1. Their skill and expertise as two local businesses helping us deliver what will be a fantastic facility at Pentre Awel is a significant boost to the local economy. This alongside the project’s complementary programme of apprenticeships, recruitment and training, reflects the County Council’s and Bouygues UKs joint ambition to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses.” As well as Shufflebottom and Dyfed Steels, other companies contracted to work on Pentre Awel include: Green4Wales, Redsix Partnership, Gavin Griffiths Group, Davies Crane hire, Dyfed Recycling Services and Owen Haulage. Bouygues UK has opportunities for numerous trades over the next few years of the project, from those in external works to companies who specialise in internal fixings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stanhope has announced the launch of construction work on the transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, adjacent to the National Theatre, to create a premier, sustainable office space. Multiplex has been appointed as main contractor for the 18 month construction contract. The historic Grade II listed building is being sensitively remodelled and refurbished, with 80% of the iconic building’s existing structure preserved. Designed by AHMM, 76 Southbank will become a noteworthy example of low carbon office design, with a commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon in both construction and operation. The project’s sustainability credentials are made possible through energy innovation and a focus on retaining the building’s historical significance. The development is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification and has a NABERS Design Reviewed Target Rating of 5 Stars. It encompasses a circular economy approach, including efforts to maximise off-site fabrication of key building elements such as façade and MEP systems to minimise waste on site, and the procurement of re-used steel. Recognising the importance of wellbeing, the refurbished 76 Southbank will offer flexible office spaces that promote productivity and comfort and help foster collaboration. The development will feature an impressive 50,000 sq. ft of outdoor terraces, providing occupants with panoramic river views, and will incorporate biophilic landscaping, enhancing the connection to nature. It has been designed with a double-height entrance lobby and a striking centrepiece staircase that will serve as a visual focal point. Embracing future-thinking concepts, the project incorporates touchless entry design, prioritising the health and safety of occupants. In addition to its sustainability and wellbeing credentials, 76 Southbank will also contribute significantly to the local economy. The development will provide 300,000 sq ft of much-needed office space, creating 1,200 additional jobs for the community and wider London. The well-connected building is just a short walk away from Waterloo station, while nearby Blackfriars and Charing Cross stations provide excellent transport links to Greater London and the Home Counties. Global alternative asset manager Cheyne Capital Real Estate provided the financing for the project. Leading real estate agencies CBRE and JLL have been appointed as the agents for 76 Southbank. The project is set to complete in Q4 2024. Nick Jarman, Project Director at Stanhope said: “This project represents a significant milestone in our commitment to transforming historic buildings into vibrant, sustainable spaces that promote innovation and wellbeing. With the expertise of Multiplex and our shared vision, we are confident that 76 Southbank will become a premier office destination, showcasing the perfect blend of heritage and contemporary design.” Matt Price, Project Director at Multiplex said: “We are extremely proud to be partnering with Stanhope to deliver the extension and refurbishment of this iconic project on London’s Southbank. Having worked closely with the development team throughout the pre-construction and demolition stages of the project, we’ve now taken over management of the site, marking a significant milestone in the construction journey, ahead of the existing structure going back up and superstructure works commencing.” Filippo Alessandria at Cheyne Capital Real Estate concluded: “This is a landmark project and a rare opportunity to redevelop such a historic building in Central London. We were impressed by the project team’s emphasis on sustainability and are proud to help deliver this high quality, BREEAM Outstanding office in the heart of Southbank.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An urban renewal project in the Parisian suburb of Clichy-La-Garenne will become the largest low-carbon building in France. The bustling 47,000m2 urban campus, known as BLACK, is set to provide users with a true ‘workplace of tomorrow’ by creating a sustainable and inspiring modern workspace within commutable distance from La Défense, Paris- the busiest business district in Europe. BLACK is a unique project which has been designed with sustainability at its core. Situated right beside Parc des Impressionnistes, the project’s ethical design blends nature’s elements with unique architecture to create a space that sits in harmony with its surroundings. The distinctive timber cladding has undergone the Japanese charring technique of Shou Sugi Ban. This ancient art involves burning the wood to create a decorative and protective layer of charcoal on its surface. By opting for a façade using Accoya timber that has been treated using this process, the architect saved 1,000 tonnes of CO2 without compromising on performance. The carbon savings resulted from the fact that the initial design had recommended the use of aluminium. The decision to replace this with charred Accoya wood was one of a number of material decisions made to enhance the building’s environmental performance and credentials. Overall, the use of low-carbon materials resulted in a saving of 3,000 tonnes of carbon[1]. The charred wood façade is installed on the GRAD railing system to combine modernity with the traditional. The GRAD system holds the wood in place whilst remaining completely hidden to preserve the building’s unique biophilic design. Emmanuel Combarel, director at Emmanuel Combarel Dominique Marrec Architectes (ECDM), said: “At the genesis of the project, there was the belief that a workspace should be conceived as a response to the aspirations of our time. The aim was to create a less secluded place, and therefore more open to our environment. […] The park was the starting point for us to develop offices within a garden. “The project takes place in a location where the city is transforming. […] The building is black and understated; it speaks of material and work on the material, of wood and protective carbon. It is black, without color, it addresses the daylight or nighttime to reveal multiple reflections, a shell that already carries a lot of history. […] Many elements of the facade […] allow for modulation of its relationship with its environment and natural control of its climatology.[2]” Laurens Notenboom, head of sales for France at Accsys, added: “Using Accoya aligns with the sustainability criteria of the project. BLACK embodies a vision for urban developments of the future. Its low carbon credentials place it amongst the most ambitious projects in France. “We worked closely with Henry Timber, who supplied the Accoya, profiled to the specific size for this unique project. “The project is another result of the great partnership between Accoya, Henry Timber and Les Bruleurs de Bois within the established value chain in the French market– and the first one involving a low carbon cladding application. The GRAD clipping system has been used with the ultra-high performing wood; with Accoya being chosen for its durability, stability in Shou Sugi Ban form and its high sustainability credentials.” Henry Timber worked with Les Bruleurs de Bois, who completed all the charring on Accoya for the BLACK’s exterior. Les Bruleurs de Bois are one of few manufacturers in France mastering the art of charring wood using the ancestral Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. Project information: [1] https://alts.axa-im.com/responsible-investing/esg-strategy/black [2] https://www.realestate.bnpparibas.fr/fr/actualites-enquetes/black-un-campus-urbain-ecologique-engage-dans-la-reduction-de-lempreinte Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Seoul, South Korea: almost 10 million inhabitants and an extraordinary economic-financial structure that places it among the world’s strongest economies. This is home to the headquarters of some of the most famous multinationals, embedded in an incredibly high housing and demographic background. Offices, industries, trade centres, banks and financial institutions make it the New York of East Asia. Yeouido – the district where most of the banks and the Seoul Stock Exchange are located – is referred to as “Korea’s Wall Street”. A melting pot of cultures and influences, where the Made in Italy flag is also held high by Caesar, which has furnished the floors and walls of the Hall of an imposing Office Building with the quality of its marble-effect porcelain stoneware. The Anima Futura collection, laid in two different colours – Amazing Silver and Majestic White – dictates the majestic and solemn mood of the premises, with its timeless marble look. Astonishing and enlightening are the musts of slabs that change the connotations of the environment, making it shine and extending it. A scenic presence that also imposes itself on the eye thanks to the different features characterising all surfaces: sharp or hinted veins, striking colour transitions, delicate or complex visual textures. If the delicate veins of Majestic White run across the ceramic tile and characterise spaces with their fascination, Amazing Silver stands out for its noble elegance, thanks to its intricate pattern of veins ranging from anthracite to bronze. An impactful combination in the name of refinement and taste, for a memorable and unique environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Schroders Capital UK Real Estate Fund (‘SCREF’) has secured planning permission to redevelop Minerva House, Fitzroy House, and Telephone Exchange, contiguous, part Grade II listed landmark office buildings on Chenies Street in Bloomsbury into a 106,736 sq ft high-quality workspace, a 37% increase on the current floor area, following the addition of two further floors and a roof terrace. Located just off London’s Tottenham Court Road, the asset is well placed to benefit from the newly re-opened Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street underground stations, providing connections to the Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines. SCREF will work closely with development partner Stanhope to sensitively reposition the heritage office buildings – which sit in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area – into a sustainability and wellbeing-led office scheme, designed by architects Morris+Company. During the redevelopment, 87% of the existing building structure along with 84% of the existing primary facades will be retained utilising a re-use first approach reducing embodied carbon during the construction process. Reflecting the growing demand for sustainable and energy efficient office assets, Schroders Capital’s expert offices team alongside Stanhope will ensure the upgraded Chenies Street asset achieves best-in-class sustainability and wellbeing credentials, targeting EPC B, WELL Gold, BREEAM Excellent and an NABERS UK certifications. The enhanced building will also use electrical heating only, deliver improved natural ventilation to enhance occupier wellbeing, and include rainwater harvesting systems. The redesigned Chenies Street asset also places a strong focus on occupier wellbeing and will feature amenities such as a large communal reception space, bike storage, fitness and wellness studios, a café, and a new roof terrace to enable future tenants to attract and retain the best talent. Chenies Street will also feature fit-for-purpose floorplates which are capable of being let as whole or subdivided, offering maximum flexibility to attract a wide variety of tenants ranging from international companies to local SMEs and start-ups. The proposed scheme is aligned with Camden Council’s 2025 objectives which sets out a vision for the future of the borough as it aims to create a safe, fair, creative, and active community. During the construction process a percentage of construction jobs and apprenticeships at the project will be offered to local people, and biodiversity will be enhanced through the creation of local ‘pocket parks’ as well as a new green wall on the exterior of the building. The building is located close to Goodge Street and the new Tottenham Court Road underground stations, and further Green transportation is encouraged through increased e-bike and scooter provision, as well as improved pedestrianisation around the asset. Rob Cosslett, Fund Manager for Schroders Capital, said: “The redevelopment of Minerva House, Fitzroy House, and Telephone Exchange in Chenies Street outlines SCREF’s commitment to investing in sustainability-led, high-quality office assets in well-connected locations. Located within London’s ‘Knowledge Quarter’, the asset is well situated to benefit from the continued demand for best-in-class office space from occupiers in the life sciences, technology, and higher education sectors. “The approved plans demonstrate the development and asset management capabilities of the experienced Schroders Capital offices team to identify opportunities to add value and increase returns for our investors. Our focus remains on maximising the value potential and sustainability credentials of assets across our portfolio, which will attract the best talent and strongest occupiers, whilst enhancing surrounding areas to benefit local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boultbee Brooks Real Estate has announced the completion of Pressworks located on Ambrose Street, Cheltenham. Pressworks is a newly refurbished and extended office building in Cheltenham’s historic and picturesque Central Conservation Area, close to the town centre and just a short 18-minute walk from Cheltenham Spa train station. Offering three fully self-contained units, set over three floors, available offices include: 2,637 sq ft, 5,737 sq ft and 6,232 sq ft spaces. The building’s new design boasts a contemporary style with premium finishes and state-of-the-art technology. Over the years the building has been home to various ‘works’, housing coach painters, mechanics and numerous printers. It is now extensively renovated into state-of-the-art offices with an ultramodern workplace design. Amenities include, shower/changing facilities, on site parking, secure cycle storage, IT enabled access control, HVAC and external roof terrace. Complete with a new roof extension and a new façade which gives a nod to its industrial heritage, the modern but sympathetic frontage with glazed tiles and smart new windows all bring it back to the property’s heyday. James Whitcher, Managing Director at Boultbee Brooks, said: “We are delighted to bring Pressworks to the market, it is a fantastic office building with a significant amount of heritage. “It is brilliant to see it newly refurbished and extended at such a high-quality standard. We look forward to welcoming any interested businesses to the building in the coming months.” Building works on the project were completed by Construction Company, Lancer Scott. Find out more information about Pressworks here: https://www.studio.space/cheltenham-pressworks. For agent enquiries, please contact oliver@thponline.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Paramount has won a prestigious £11-million contract to transform a Bristol city centre office complex for global investment bank, Credit Suisse. The design, build, fit-out and refurbishment specialist has been tasked with providing a high-spec refurbishment of the building on Temple Quay, with the view of creating one of Bristol’s greenest commercial buildings. Paramount will undertake the refurbishment alongside architect and design firm AWW and property consultants CBRE as project manager for clients Credit Suisse in a major boost for the South West economy. Together, the project team will target the highest construction industry standards for sustainability and wellness, working towards securing the coveted BREEAM Excellent, Wiredscore Platinum and 3-star Fitwel 3 certification. Kevin Mashford, the Paramount Sales Director who heads up the company’s Bristol team, said: “We are all delighted to have been handed responsibility for transforming 3 Rivergate and creating a truly inspiring workplace. “We have developed a strong reputation for using our expertise to create spaces that are truly special, and we will ensure 3 Rivergate has a striking transformation and is an outstanding place to work. “We look forward to working in close collaboration with CBRE and AWW on behalf of Credit Suisse to ensure 3 Rivergate is also one of Bristol’s greenest commercial buildings with sustainability and wellness at its heart.” The year-long refurbishment project, which is now under way, will see the seven-storey, fully serviced Grade A office complex undergo a comprehensive refurbishment which will pave the way for 75,000 sq ft of available, flexible workspace via agents Lambert Smith Hampton and CBRE. A range of new features will include a new striking façade, generous landscaping, amongst best-in-class end of journey facilities. Paramount will introduce the latest energy-efficient systems, new building management system, solar energy panels, upgraded fire alarm, new security system, CCTV, access control, access barriers and a cycle-store. Jack Sawbridge, Credit Suisse Asset Manager, said: “3 Rivergate is an exemplary project demonstrating our ability to adapt and recycle existing real estate for the modern occupier. “We are delivering a modern workspace with a commitment to both occupier well-being and environmental sensitivity. “Sustainable and renewable elements have been meticulously integrated, and the newly enhanced building will offer adaptable floor plates, best-in-class facilities and considerable new public and dedicated landscaping. “Our chosen contractor, Paramount, has demonstrated a deep understanding of our vision and we look forward to delivering this ambitious project together.” Paramount, whose turnover currently stands at £38.5 million, is well known across Wales and England where it has created high-quality space for a number of leading companies. These include football legend Gareth Bale’s Par 59 bars, multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hodge House in Cardiff, Development Bank of Wales HQ refurbishment, transformation of the landmark 360 Bristol office complex and office revamps in Bath for American software SmartBear and financial services consultancy Altus. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
