Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects and engineers must think outside the box in order to create a truly sustainable project. In the UK, less than 1% of registered non-domestic buildings have achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating. This is the first Gilbert-Ash project to have received this accreditation. Gilbert-Ash’s scope of works at the former warehouse site included the design and build redevelopment of an existing office building with the addition of two levels to form new CAT A office space over nine floors, including basement. As the company continues its relentless drive to deliver generational projects, a number of innovative approaches were taken throughout the work on Havelock House to ensure the BREEAM Outstanding rating could be achieved. From the outset, OMI Architects engaged with the BRE Green Guide and this engagement was followed through into the construction stage to ensure appropriately sourced products from the supply chain were selected. A deep retrofit strategy, included the installation of an entirely new façade system, developed as the optimum solution through the use of a whole-life carbon option appraisal, ensuring that, through the utilisation of the existing structure, the project retained 2,000 CO2e of embodied carbon, the equivalent of planting 10,250 trees. The offsite fabrication of the unitised façade reduced waste and shortened the construction time on site while the rainwater harvesting in the basement minimised the site’s water consumption. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said this rating is further evidence of the company’s ability to deliver stand-out iconic projects. “At Gilbert-Ash we have delivered some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic spaces and we are thrilled Havelock House is our first project to receive BREEAM Outstanding certification. “Innovation, collaboration and determination are at the heart of everything we do and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.” Gilbert-Ash Environmental, Social and Governance Lead, Michael Heron said everyone involved with the project is proud their efforts have been recognised in this manner. He said: “Over the years, Gilbert-Ash has garnered a plethora of BREEAM Excellent and Very Good ratings but this is a new level for us. “To achieve this BREEAM Outstanding recognition, we had to implement at least 10 minimum standards including an air quality plan, a building user guide, seasonal commissioning and the responsible sourcing of construction products. “It would not have been possible to achieve this accreditation without early engagement by OMI Architects with the Green Guide.  Implementing BREEAM Outstanding will ensure resource efficiency and lower maintenance and energy costs over the structure’s lifespan.” Havelock House has been used in the UK Green Building Council document ‘Building the Case for Net Zero: Retrofitting Office Buildings’ and has achieved Wiredscore (Platinum) and NABERS 5* accreditation. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. It is also seeking to attract the industry’s best talent to deliver landmark projects. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Practical completion reached at The Crescent Centre as fit out company appointed On behalf of investment and development company CEG, Kier has completed the redevelopment of Crescent at Temple Quay in Bristol. The building has been transformed to include a new two-storey feature façade, a rooftop extension and the addition of three private roof terraces, the most prominent of which offers unrivalled views over Temple Gardens from the fifth floor. The first letting has already been secured with OVO relocating its UK headquarters to 22,894 sq. ft of space, which includes the entire fifth floor and a fourth-floor suite. Crescent offers 100,000 sq ft of office space and has the largest private garden in the city centre as an added benefit for its occupiers. There is also a secure weatherproof cycle park for 164 bikes and a repair docking facility, wellbeing and fitness studio with leisure club changing facilities. As well as targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the building is targeting Net Zero Carbon in operation. Reuse of the existing structure provides a 45% reduction in upfront embodied carbon over new build, allied with best-in-class energy efficient heating and cooling, makes Crescent a compelling sustainability option. CEG has now appointed Bath-based fit out specialist, Interaction, to deliver break out workspace and beautiful fitted office suites. The fitted office suites will provide occupiers with the option of taking tailor made space ready for immediate occupation or taking traditional office suites where they can deliver their own fit out.   Interaction’s Business Director, Hannah Eardley said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with CEG on such a transformative project. The design balances sustainability with a deep respect for the building’s heritage, incorporating nods to Bristol’s rich manufacturing history such as the original fabric racks and pottery. By reimagining communal areas with thoughtful, flexible design, we’re creating a space that really works for its occupiers, offering something for everyone. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to deliver not just a workplace, but a destination where community and sustainability are at the heart of the experience.” Paul Richardson, Investment Manager at CEG, said; “Crescent sits in a prime location on Temple Back. This is a first-class redevelopment and Interaction’s interior design will deliver a contemporary and healthy place to work, supported by amenities including a ribbon business lounge, Temple Grind café, well-being and fitness studio.” The development will offer floor plates of 18,000 sq ft. It also benefits from the ability to accommodate a range of requirements from 1,600 sq ft upwards. Carter Jonas and Savills have been appointed to launch the development to market. Harry Allen, Director of Office Agency South-West at Savills, said: “Crescent offers exceptional space for small and growing businesses, from 16 desks to 180, it will create a vibrant and thriving business community. The building’s flexibility and market leading tenant amenities, from a private garden to a café and gym, will appeal to Bristol businesses seeking best in class working environments for their staff with Net Zero commitments.” This £30 million investment is the latest in significant investments into the CEG Group’s portfolio in Bristol which, to date, stands at £234 million. The team is managing a 250,000 sq ft Bristol portfolio, has refurbished the Quorum, delivered the award-winning EQ at 111 Victoria Street and 1000 Aztec West. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The British Council for Offices (BCO) has released the third edition of its Guide to Fit-Out, offering fresh insights and best practice recommendations for office design in an era shaped by hybrid working and the transition to net zero. This is the first update to the Guide since 2011 and brings together expertise from over 100 industry professionals. It provides occupiers and built environment specialists with essential guidance on creating modern, flexible, and sustainable workspaces that enhance employee well-being while integrating smart technology and AI. Covering every stage of the fit-out process—from material selection and procurement to long-term management—the Guide is designed to be used alongside the BCO’s Guide to Specification, which helps define best-in-class workplaces. Key Focus Areas in the Latest Edition: This latest edition includes standalone sections on fire safety, acoustics, vertical transportation, and structural engineering—reflecting the increasing demand for offices that offer greater flexibility, adaptability, and connectivity. Offices Designed for the Future The Guide highlights a growing shift towards multi-use spaces, where traditional desk areas make way for collaborative and social zones. It also provides a checklist of design interventions that enhance occupier well-being, from biophilic elements and active workspaces to stress-reducing art and wellness facilities. Smart technology plays a crucial role throughout, with recommendations on how AI and automation can improve security, energy efficiency, and space management. The Guide also emphasises the importance of clear sustainability goals, encouraging businesses to set key performance indicators (KPIs) for reducing carbon impact. A major focus is the adoption of circular economy principles, where outgoing and incoming tenants collaborate with landlords to minimise waste and maximise reuse of fit-out materials. The Guide also advocates for material passport systems, improving traceability and reuse of building components. Insights from Industry Leaders Neil Pennell, Head of Design Innovation and Property Solutions at Landsec, said:“The new edition reflects how office use has evolved over the past decade. People want workplaces that offer valuable experiences beyond a traditional desk setup. Sustainability is now a key business priority, and our guidance on circularity principles shows how multiple stakeholders can help reduce waste in the fit-out process.” Peter Williams, Senior Technical Advisor at Stanhope, added:“The Guide is ultimately about helping businesses attract and retain the best talent. The pandemic accelerated a shift in office design, and now workspaces must work harder to differentiate themselves. By prioritising sustainability, flexibility, and technology, businesses can create office environments that foster creativity and collaboration.” Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive at the BCO, commented:“The Guide to Fit-Out is a practical resource for today’s rapidly changing workplace landscape. Health, well-being, and sustainability are no longer optional—they are essential. This edition encapsulates the latest industry trends and is a must-read for anyone involved in office design and fit-out.” The new edition features case studies from award-winning projects and links to an extensive online library that will be regularly updated. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals