First new office building for Bath in 25 years
Work is set to start this spring on the first new office building to be built in Bath in 25 years.
BAM construction has already started preparation work on the Bath Quays South site, where a new 45,000 sq ft office building will be created as part of a project expected to bring thousands of skilled jobs to Bath.
After years of complaints from property agents that office space is too difficult to find in the city, the development has been welcomed.
Andy Smith, from Knight Frank, which is marketing the new offices space, said: “This is just what the city needs. The supply of quality offices in the centre of Bath has declined significantly yet demand continues to grow from both Bath-based businesses looking to expand and from companies looking to relocate to Bath. We fully expect to see an influx of businesses from within and outside the region wanting to take advantage of this fantastic new space and Bath’s quality of life that few places can match.”
The new building, which is due to open in 2021, will provide Grade A office accommodation over five open-plan floors, with basement parking, cycle storage, showers and lockers. Floors can be subdivided if required.
Neil Dorrington, construction director for BAM, said: “It is a fascinating development, which requires our specialist design skills as well as our pedigree in making complex construction happen. As always, the key to success is how you work with your partners and we are delighted to be working closely with the council and its team to bring about these historic changes at the centre of Bath.”
Bath Quays South is part of a wider business district for Bath, the biggest office-led development ever undertaken in the city, spanning the north and south banks of the River Avon.
The scheme has been part-funded by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.
Councillor Tim Warren, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Bath is a very desirable place to live, work in and to visit and we want to build on the city’s reputation as a centre for innovation by providing quality workspace that cutting-edge businesses need. An increase in the number of high value businesses in the city will result in higher wage jobs and improved opportunities for residents.”
