Commercial : Specialist Facilities News

GMI Forging ahead at Thorpe Park with latest project for Scarborough

GMI Construction is making good progress at Thorpe Park Leeds as work continues apace on the new 133,118 sq ft landmark B3 office for Lovell. The project is being undertaken for Scarborough International with whom GMI’s relationship continues to flourish at al levels With GMI’s management team working shoulder to

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GMI DEVELOPMENTS SUBMITS PLANS FOR HARROGATE DEVELOPMENT

Leeds-based property development and investment company, GMI Developments has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council to create a new mixed-use development comprising a destination restaurant and bar, retail space and 3 apartments at 132-136 Kings Road in central Harrogate. The premises, which have stood vacant since January 2020,

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Nottingham Castle ‘Refurbishment project of the year’ shortlisting for G F Tomlinson at prestigious Building Awards

Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson has been shortlisted for ‘Refurbishment of the year’ at the annual Building Awards, recognising work undertaken at Nottingham Castle. The historical landmark has undergone a significant transformation to become a world-class visitor destination and heritage site following its £31million redevelopment which began back in November

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Iconic Devon Hotel Announces Major Expansion

Iconic Devon Hotel Announces Major Expansion

Plans have been unveiled for the expansion of the landmark Burgh Island Hotel with 11 new guest rooms, improved staff accommodation and renovation of the historic Pilchard Inn pub. Burgh Island Estate said the development will increase the number of guest rooms at the art deco hotel by 50%. The

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Graftongate commences work on new landmark Fujifilm HQ

Work has commenced on Fujifilm’s new £8 million headquarters in Bedford.  Fujifilm has signed an agreement to take a 10-year lease on a 30,000 sq ft green-focused office building at Cardington Road, Bedford. Graftongate is developing the new three-storey building, which will provide office space and dedicated workshop space and

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£400m distinctive Southbank mixed-use development, Triptych Bankside

Triptych Bankside, the distinctive Southbank development, topped out by JTRE London One of the most striking developments on the central London’s skyline has reached its highest point with a topping out on the 19th floor. The £400 million mixed-use Triptych Bankside comprises three distinctive sweeping towers, with 169 luxury apartments

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Bronze and Iron Age Skeletons Discovered at Housing Development

Bronze and Iron Age Skeletons Discovered at Housing Development

A team of archaeologists have unearthed human skeletons during the excavation of a Bronze to early Iron Age settlement on This Land’s™ Burwell site, in advance of the development of 350 new homes. Following the removal of topsoil at the 6.5-hectare site on Newmarket Road, archaeologists have discovered two full

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Helensburgh Waterfront Development – significant progress one year on

Helensburgh’s state-of-the art leisure centre is on track to open in 2022, despite the construction challenges brought by the global pandemic. One year after construction began, the main building is structurally complete, with the external Lomond stone blockwork and glazing installed, there are new flood defences for the town and

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Topping out ceremony marks milestone at ‘The Ewart’

Office development within Belfast’s City Centre has received a significant boost as The Ewart in Bedford Street reaches a major construction milestone with the building’s structure ‘Topping Out’ ahead of its targeted opening in January 2022. One of the most important and historic architectural landmarks on Belfast’s skyline, The Ewart

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Latest Issue
Issue 329 : Jun 2025

Commercial : Specialist Facilities News

GMI Forging ahead at Thorpe Park with latest project for Scarborough

GMI Construction is making good progress at Thorpe Park Leeds as work continues apace on the new 133,118 sq ft landmark B3 office for Lovell. The project is being undertaken for Scarborough International with whom GMI’s relationship continues to flourish at al levels With GMI’s management team working shoulder to shoulder with Scarborough to maintain and develop what is a long-term and trusted partnership, GMI’s skilled Project Management team also heavily bought into that collaborative philosophy. Talking about the project Leigh Bennett, GMI Project Manager at B3, said: “We have a really good relationship with the client and it’s one that’s been built over the years. I can see where the business is going and the excellent links we have with clients, such as Scarborough. And that is just on this project. “They (Scarborough’s B3 team) visit our site to see our progress, look at our safety performance, stay in close communication with our team but more than anything they let us get on with the job as that trust is there. It’s a big scheme – the biggest single office building in Leeds out of town history – and we’re delighted to be here delivering it.” Also commenting Lee Powell, GMI  Divisional Managing Director, said: “We go back a long way with Scarborough Group International and that partnership has gone from strength to strength over the years. GMI Construction Group has already developed a number of significant schemes on their behalf and I’m proud of that. “I’m also proud of the teamwork out on site and the way we are working to get the desired results. When B3 is finished it will be a real feather in the cap for the region and we will have played a part in that.” Kevin McCabe, founder and Chairman of Scarborough Group International, said: “This year we are celebrating 21 years of development at Thorpe Park, of which GMI Construction has delivered a significant part on our behalf. “The depth of trust forged between our respective teams over that time is such that we now very much see them as an extension of our business. This alignment is what enables us to create thriving spaces for people to live, work and enjoy.” For further information about the development visit: https://thorpeparkleeds.com/

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GMI DEVELOPMENTS SUBMITS PLANS FOR HARROGATE DEVELOPMENT

Leeds-based property development and investment company, GMI Developments has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council to create a new mixed-use development comprising a destination restaurant and bar, retail space and 3 apartments at 132-136 Kings Road in central Harrogate. The premises, which have stood vacant since January 2020, comprise a range of interconnected, largely two-storey buildings which extend to more than 7,300 sq ft. Ocean House (134-136 Kings Road), the former Ramus retail unit (132 Kings Road) and an industrial unit fronting Bolton Street will be redeveloped into a mixed-use lifestyle and residential development in keeping with the local area. A pre-let for the ground floor unit in Ocean House has already been agreed with Moxmoor Limited to manage a new concept restaurant and bar, led by experienced local operator Roger Moxham, one of the founding owners of the Cold Bath Brewing company. Roger Moxham has more than 35 years of hospitality expertise, including board level roles in both public and privately funded pub and restaurant companies and co-founded the highly successful Cold Bath Brewing bar opposite the town’s International Conference Centre. The new restaurant, which will create up to 20 new jobs, comprises a 70 seat internal restaurant and bar with external pavement and courtyard seating. Commenting on the offer Roger said “We will serve a diverse array of global meals rooted in Asia and the Americas which we intend to rotate throughout the year. The menu will be underpinned by a weekend brunch offer all supported by a full range of hand crafted cocktails and beers and an interesting selection of soft drinks, teas and coffees.” GMI has submitted a detailed planning application for a change of use of Ocean House to house the new restaurant and bar, as well as two apartments above.  The ground floor of 132 Kings Road will remain in retail use with an apartment above and the demolition of the industrial unit on Bolton Street will provide parking and outside amenity space for the new apartments. Situated close to Harrogate town centre and 13 miles North of Leeds, the site’s neighbouring occupiers include Regal Fruiter, a Sainsbury’s convenience store and a number of well-known local indies.  Harrogate town is one of the principal tourist centres in the region, benefiting from its position on the A59 which provides access to the local motorway network. Chris Gilman, Managing Director, GMI Developments commented: “Following the recent acquisition of the Kings Road property, we are excited to take this mixed-use development forward to regenerate the vacant site, subject to planning approval.   With a proven, successful hospitality expert in Roger on board to create the new restaurant and bar, we are confident that his team will bring a unique and exciting destination restaurant offer to the town complemented by the rest of this high quality scheme.”

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Nottingham Castle ‘Refurbishment project of the year’ shortlisting for G F Tomlinson at prestigious Building Awards

Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson has been shortlisted for ‘Refurbishment of the year’ at the annual Building Awards, recognising work undertaken at Nottingham Castle. The historical landmark has undergone a significant transformation to become a world-class visitor destination and heritage site following its £31million redevelopment which began back in November 2018.  Funded by the National Lottery through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), Nottingham Castle Trust, D2N2 and client Nottingham City Council – the brief for the construction phase of the overall castle transformation involved specialist restoration and refurbishment works to the 17th century Grade I Listed Ducal Palace, a new extension to house new galleries, and the construction of a visitor centre with a ticketing office, café and outdoor seating area. Responding to the brief, the design of the new visitor centre features external oak cladding, chosen due to its association with Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest – home of the famous 1,000-year-old Major Oak tree. The project has transformed the historical landmark enhancing the heritage and history of the city, helping to realise the castle’s vision of attracting more than 400,000 yearly visitors.  Chris Flint, managing director at G F Tomlinson said: “We are delighted to have been recognised as a finalist for such an acclaimed award. The project was a real highlight of the last two years and a huge achievement for the business, even more so given that the majority of the work took place during the COVID-19 pandemic which posed its own set of challenges. “Throughout the project we ensured that labour was sourced from local businesses and organisations and we are proud to say we were able to recycle 97% of the onsite construction waste as we continue to take responsibility of our sustainable footprint.” The contractor provided opportunities for the local community including 27,000 hours of employment, training and social value initiatives – such as local school and college site tours, graduate work experience placements, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, alongside support for a local charity called Framework who provide support with employment, housing and health for people cross Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Sheffield. The works were well-received by the client, as the current Lord Mayor of Nottingham Dave Trimble said: “The completion of this part of the castle works on such a historic site, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of adverse weather, is a big achievement. “The impact of these works will have a lasting impression on the city, bolstering tourism with the restoration of the fascinating building which lies on an iconic cave network, and the construction of the new visitor centre.”               The Building Awards recognise the most impressive UK businesses and projects within the building and construction sector. Projects will be judged on design, sustainability, innovation and construction performance, procurement and team work with the client. Winners of all categories will be announced during a black-tie dinner in November at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. 

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St Francis and iSec announce latest deal at thriving Horizon 38 mixed-use development in Bristol

The building of a new 16,986 sq. ft flagship car dealership on a 1.63-acre plot has completed, been leased to Volvo Cars UK with the investment sold to CBRE Global Investors. St Francis Group and its development partner iSec have confirmed the completion and sale of a16,986 sq ft new build to suit flagship car dealership leased to Volvo Cars UK and sold to CBRE Global Investors at its Horizon 38 mixed-use development in Bristol. The development on a plot of 1.63 acres has been let on basis of a 20-year lease and was sold with a forward commitment to purchase from the new owners. The showroom was delivered early by contractors MCS Construction. Speaking about the sale and development – St Francis Group Director Gareth Williams said: “We are delighted to have completed another exciting project at Horizon 38 and a sale to CBRE Global Investors. This is the second car dealership on site, and everyone involved with its delivery deserves a huge pat on the back when you consider the extremely difficult conditions that we have faced over the last 18 months. Horizon 38 serves as the premier mixed-use destination in Bristol and the South West and has been a tremendous success – now home to a thriving community of occupiers” Also commenting, Richard Howell Principal Investment at Avison Young “We are seeing unprecedented demand for secure long income investments especially in prime established locations such as Horizon 38. We were delighted to have signed Volvo on a 20-year lease and then secure the forward commitment to purchase from CBRE Global Investors on behalf of St Francis and iSec” Simon Bennett, Director at JLL also said “We are really pleased to have secured this opportunity for CBRE Global Investors. Horizon 38 is a well-located development that has been successful in attracting a wide range of tenants such as GKN, Car Shop and Selco. This investment offers the fund a secure long term income stream with rental uplifts at an attractive yield to other sectors”. Avison Young acted for iSec / St Francis, and JLL acted for the buyer, CBREGI. Horizon 38 is Bristol and the South-West premier mixed-use development spanning 65 acres, featuring Logistics, Industrial, Trade, Hotel, and Car Showroom opportunities totalling over 1M sq ft.  It is home to leading occupiers including Ceva, The Delivery Group and Sytner together with GKN in a 115,000 sq ft R&D facility and Village Resorts in a new 153 bedroom hotel. For further information visit: https://www.horizon38.com/

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Iconic Devon Hotel Announces Major Expansion

Iconic Devon Hotel Announces Major Expansion

Plans have been unveiled for the expansion of the landmark Burgh Island Hotel with 11 new guest rooms, improved staff accommodation and renovation of the historic Pilchard Inn pub. Burgh Island Estate said the development will increase the number of guest rooms at the art deco hotel by 50%. The expansion plans have been inspired by the demand which the hotel has experienced in 2021, despite the lingering effects of the pandemic. Occupancy did not dip below 97% throughout June-August of this year and, with the hotel all but booked up until 2022. “Everyone at Burgh Island is extremely excited about this development, which will only serve to further enhance the estate’s unique heritage and expand its offer for guests. We very much look forward to welcoming members of our community to the consultation, and eventually to bringing the first visitors to the newly developed site,” said Giles Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel. The expansion will be undertaken in partnership with Jonathan Rhind Architects and Avalon Planning & Heritage, both based in Devon. Burgh Island Estate said the firms were chosen on the basis of their understanding of the local area and their commitment to preserving the heritage of Burgh Island, as well as their expertise. “This development is the latest and most exciting chapter in the history of Burgh Island’s evolution,” said Penny Brown, managing director of Inntelligence. “The increase in capacity has been carefully devised so that it blends gently into the existing construction, maintaining the intimacy and magic of the guest experience. We will continue to remain faithful to the art deco origins and I am sure that the planned changes will further cement the hotel’s position as one of the most unique and iconic in the UK.” The hotel was first built in 1929 and includes famous figures from Agatha Christie to the Beatles among its guests. With sustainability to the fore, all new construction work will adopt a “fabric-first approach”, which uses building materials with energy efficiency credentials above regulatory standards. The new staff accommodation, for instance, will consist of timber-frame low-energy housing set behind dry stone earth shelter walls. The existing building on the island will also undergo sustainability-focused improvements as part of the development. As well as reducing its environmental impact, the development will also enable the hotel to enhance the experience it provides to both staff and guests. Staff will benefit from newly built accommodation, while visitors will be able to enjoy an extended Bay View Restaurant, a restored tea shop, and improved walking routes around the island.

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Graftongate commences work on new landmark Fujifilm HQ

Work has commenced on Fujifilm’s new £8 million headquarters in Bedford.  Fujifilm has signed an agreement to take a 10-year lease on a 30,000 sq ft green-focused office building at Cardington Road, Bedford. Graftongate is developing the new three-storey building, which will provide office space and dedicated workshop space and exhibition areas. It is being funded by a private investor.   The world’s largest photographic and imaging company, Fujifilm employs 320 staff at its current headquarters on St Martins Way, Bedford, just 250 metres from the site of the new office. Named Fujifilm House, the new building will be characterised by its sustainability credentials, with low energy usage and green technologies deployed throughout.  The BREEAM ‘excellent’ scheme incorporates solar panels, rainwater collection systems and biodiverse landscaping design. Graftongate and Fujifilm will work with the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire as part of the development. Yoshitaka Nakamura, Managing Director of FUJIFILM UK Ltd., said: “The Fujifilm story is one of transformation and reinvention, and our new headquarters will reflect the next step of this journey, providing a site fit for our future in the UK. “As a company, Fujifilm has evolved far beyond our iconic little green box of photographic film to now play a pivotal part in the healthcare and life sciences industries – something we have harnessed to support efforts against Covid-19 here in the UK and around the world. “Fujifilm House will be home to our skilled colleagues in and around Bedford, bringing our various teams – from photography and large format printing to healthcare and diagnostics – under one roof as they work to advance culture, science, technology and industry, contributing to a better and healthier world together.” Colin Beasley, principal at Graftongate, said: “We’re hugely excited to be working with Fujifilm to deliver this impressive new headquarters building and cement the company’s long standing presence in Bedford. Our two businesses share a passion for green initiatives and close collaboration with local people. The sustainable credentials of Fujifilm House will create a net benefit to the wider economic and environmental community.”

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£400m distinctive Southbank mixed-use development, Triptych Bankside

Triptych Bankside, the distinctive Southbank development, topped out by JTRE London One of the most striking developments on the central London’s skyline has reached its highest point with a topping out on the 19th floor. The £400 million mixed-use Triptych Bankside comprises three distinctive sweeping towers, with 169 luxury apartments in two blocks, 80,000 sq ft of prime grade A commercial space in a nine-storey building, plus 9,900 sq ft of retail. Developed by real estate developer JTRE London and designed by internationally acclaimed architects Squire & Partners, Triptych Bankside is located at the heart of the vibrant cultural quarter on London’s Southbank. A short walk from London Bridge station, the new scheme is next to Tate Modern art gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, the renowned culinary hotspot at Borough Market and the Millennium Bridge. JTRE London was founded in September 2019 by one of Central Europe’s leading property developers J&T Real Estate, based in Slovakia.  The company has over 25 years’ experience of real estate projects in nine European countries having developed and managed some 10 million sq ft of space with a GDV of over £1.4bn. J&T Real Estate Executive Director, Pavel Pelikán, said: “This flagship development is JTRE London’s most significant project to date and it is pleasing to be adding such an inspiring scheme in one of the capital’s most appealing and sought-after locations. The buildings provide spectacular views across London’s distinctive panorama including the River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London financial district. The aim with all our developments has always been to create buildings that are architecturally-inspiring, add significantly to their areas and offer a spectrum of high-quality attractions to delight residents and tenants.” Attractions in the three buildings include terraces with far-reaching city views, 24-hour reception, multiple private lounges, games room, large gym, private 14-seat in-house cinema, communal landscaped gardens providing a leafy space for relaxation and 46 parking spaces. Reflecting a growing need for flexible working, a co-workspace will provide multiple plug-and-play workstations and super-fast broadband. The three buildings, as associated artistic works intended to be enjoyed together, gives Triptych its name. Juraj Marko, Managing Director of JTRE London, added: “Demand for both the residential and commercial space remains strong reflecting the anticipation for this one-of-a-kind development. Our marketing suite will offer prospective residents the opportunity to get a first-hand glimpse into the huge array of benefits that living or working here will provide. Additionally, we’re fitting out three show flats which will be unveiled next month meaning anyone interested in living here can experience the high quality of the craftsmanship in the apartment finishes in keeping with the striking aesthetic of the external impression that is inspired by the ebb and flow of the River Thames.” The office building will meet a BREEAM rating of Excellent and has nine open plan floors. The top three levels boast stunning city views with terraces and full height glazing, flooding the interior with natural daylight. Tenants will benefit from exclusive access to amenities including concierge services, a café, cycle storage, showers and changing rooms. The two residential blocks sit on 420 piles. The structure took 215,000 person-hours to complete and contains 20,000 cubic metres of concrete plus 2,700 tonnes of re-bar. Prices start from £720,000 for a studio apartment to £9,715,000 for a penthouse. Residential agents are Savills and Strutt & Parker; Bh2 and Savills have been appointed to market the commercial space.

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Bronze and Iron Age Skeletons Discovered at Housing Development

Bronze and Iron Age Skeletons Discovered at Housing Development

A team of archaeologists have unearthed human skeletons during the excavation of a Bronze to early Iron Age settlement on This Land’s™ Burwell site, in advance of the development of 350 new homes. Following the removal of topsoil at the 6.5-hectare site on Newmarket Road, archaeologists have discovered two full human skeletons as well as a vast number of post holes, pits and pieces of pottery which date from 1200-350BC. The number of post holes indicate that there was a large community which used to live at the site, whilst the layout implies the timber structures would have been both round and rectangular in shape. The team also uncovered animal bones and broken pottery which may well have been used to throw away unwanted food remains and other goods. The excavation of the settlement is the first of two phases being carried by Oxford Archaeology East who are supported by Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) and appointed by specialist archaeological and heritage consultants Orion. An area identified as a cremation burial ground will be excavated and examined ahead of construction of Phase Two of the scheme. On completion of the fieldwork, there will be a programme of post-excavation assessment and analysis of the artefacts and environmental samples which will be recorded and followed by a full publication of the results. The information will be built into a story of the site and archived, and the artefacts will be donated to CCC and made available for public viewing. “These are exciting new discoveries and we are delighted with the team’s ongoing work at this historically significant site in Burwell. It’s been fascinating to learn about the history of the site, which will provide an archival legacy of artefacts for future generations to enjoy,” commented on the ongoing archaeological fieldwork, Brenda Kibblewhite, Head of Sales and Marketing of This Land™. On the conclusion of the archaeological dig, This Land™ will commence the main infrastructure for the development of a community of 350 new homes, including affordable housing. The scheme will include a mix of housing. The archaeological dig, which began in May, is expected to be finished in September depending on any further findings.

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Helensburgh Waterfront Development – significant progress one year on

Helensburgh’s state-of-the art leisure centre is on track to open in 2022, despite the construction challenges brought by the global pandemic. One year after construction began, the main building is structurally complete, with the external Lomond stone blockwork and glazing installed, there are new flood defences for the town and landscaping is well underway. When it’s complete the council’s £22 million development will provide residents and visitors with new swimming and studio pools, and a gym and café with stunning views of the Clyde. Access for all The Helensburgh Waterfront Development is designed to be fully accessible for all users and includes: Pool pod access facilities to enable wheelchair users and anyone with mobility issues to independently access the pool. A moveable floor in the studio pool, making it easier for all swimming abilities A Changing places toilet with hoist equipment and a changing bench Employment and Next Generation Skills As the local economy starts to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the build continues to support local employment. There are over eighty people working on site and many local contractors working on the project.   The project is creating vital training and experience for people starting out with their careers. The Council and its construction contractor Heron Bros Ltd offer a number of work placements and ongoing learning including: Apprentice civil engineers and stonemasons Trainee quantity surveyors Civil engineering graduates Apprentice joiners, plumbers and electricians Councillor Gary Mulvaney. Policy Lead, Financial Services and Major Projects: “This development not only offers a first class facility for residents and visitors, it provides vital skills and training to the next generation, and support for the local economy now when it needs it. With ongoing Covid restrictions, it has taken a huge team effort from the Council, Heron Bros and our internal and external design consultants to get us to this important milestone. It is remarkable to think of the progress to date considering the back office staff behind the Waterfront Development are working remotely to deliver the project. The progress achieved in the face of considerable challenge is a testament to the power of partnership and professionalism. Congratulations to everyone involved.” Cathal Heron, Regional Director for the Main Contractor, Heron Bros:  “Heron Bros is extremely pleased with the progress made to date as we mark such a key milestone for the project. The celebration represents a high point not only for the project build, but for the entire project team, who have worked so effectively together in making such impressive progress.” The project is supporting a number of community projects with donations from Heron Bros to local charities and material supplied to help initiatives including the Helensburgh Community Centre. The Council appointed contractors Heron Bros Ltd to start work in August 2020. The project represents investment in Helensburgh of more than £22.3 million. This includes £5million awarded from the UK Government Libor Fund and £100, 000 from SportScotland.  

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Topping out ceremony marks milestone at ‘The Ewart’

Office development within Belfast’s City Centre has received a significant boost as The Ewart in Bedford Street reaches a major construction milestone with the building’s structure ‘Topping Out’ ahead of its targeted opening in January 2022. One of the most important and historic architectural landmarks on Belfast’s skyline, The Ewart at 17-storeys high, is the final phase of developer MRP’s Bedford Square development, constructed by Design & Build Construction Partner McAleer & Rushe, which includes the Invest NI Headquarters. A £85m 210,000 sq. ft Grade A listed office project, The Ewart is set to accommodate 2,500 people when fully occupied. Construction began in January 2019 with 300 jobs created throughout the construction phase of The Ewart building. MRP are long term investors in the City and have completed a number of other large developments including the nearby Maldron Hotel and Queen’s University’s’ student accommodation Elms BT1 and Elms BT2, all constructed by McAleer & Rushe. While the original sandstone warehouse dates back to 1870, a two-storey link extension will connect to a new modern office tower creating highly efficient and flexible floorspace.  The panoramic glazing offers spectacular views across the City and there is also an extensive landscaped plaza area to enrich the environment adjacent the double height reception entrance. The building will have a BREEAM Excellent rating and a Wired Score Platinum Certification making it one of the most environmentally friendly and digitally connected offices in the City.  Set in the heart of the central business district, The Ewart is only a short walk from City Hall, main transport hubs, shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. The finished offices will be part occupied by Deloitte NI with a further 124,000 sq ft for tenants seeking high quality workspace in the prime office core of the City. Stephen Surphlis, Managing Director at MRP said: “Despite the challenges of the last 18 months, the team and our project partners have worked to deliver a landmark development creating one of the most sophisticated and desirable office spaces in the City. The contemporary building will offer a flexible, dynamic and sustainable working environment and with many businesses currently reviewing their return-to-work strategies, we have begun to see an increase in the number of tenant enquiries over the last few months. “As Belfast continues to recover from the pandemic, we are confident that this very significant and important commercial project in the heart of the city will further support its regeneration, delivering a modern working environment for Northern Ireland’s workforce of the future.” Jonathan O’Neill, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe said, “The Ewart is a vital part of Belfast’s historic Linen Quarter and we are proud to be restoring and conserving the building respectively and sustainably to bring it back to its former glory and once completed, the new build section to the rear will be the tallest commercial office project in Belfast city centre. We are thrilled to be a part of this significant development for the city and to have remained on programme following the difficulties of the past 18 months is a huge testament to the monumental efforts of all the teams, consultants and supply chain involved.” Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl spoke about the city centre development and said: “The city centre of Belfast is one of the most important places in Northern Ireland. A city centre which is attractive, safe, with high levels of employment and investment can provide the basis for a prosperous and successful city and surrounding region. The Bedford Square Development Project will contribute to the success of Belfast as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The dynamic, sophisticated and modern office building will inject a new lease of life into the city centre, aid recovery and in turn create jobs and prompt further investment and long-term economic growth. Our city centre vision- The Belfast Agenda outlines that we work every day to make Belfast the city of choice for investment opportunities and I am delighted that this project will deliver a world-class working environment for future generations.” Robert Ditty, Executive Director at CBRE NI, letting agent on the scheme said: “Belfast Offices has built a strong reputation for being a market leader in a number of sectors to include cybersecurity, fintech, professional Services and creative industries.  The City also continues to benefit from having one of the lowest operational and occupational cost bases when benchmarked against other regional cities. The Ewart will offer some of the best quality office space in Belfast City Centre and this factor coupled with all the environmental, health and wellbeing credentials sought by new office occupiers makes the building a compelling proposition for tenants”

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