Former Chair of NMB and Managing Director of Bildurn Sean Akins discusses how high quality city centre office space has been in short supply in Nottingham for many years – and unveils Bildurn’s plan for state-of-the-art Grade A space on Station Street.
We’ve just revealed our plan for new, much-sought-after grade A offices in Nottingham city centre and we’re already getting extremely positive feedback from prospective occupants, local decision makers and partners in the property sector. It isn’t surprising, given the appeal of our great city, which boasts a £12.1bn economy which has grown steadily since 1995, more than a million people in our recruitment area and an unrivalled investment in infrastructure.
The first of the two buildings at 11 Station Street, close to the entrance to the station, will offer 50,000 sq.ft. of flexible office space, purpose built to the BREEAM “Excellent” standard and EPC “A” rating and providing large open plan floor plates of nearly 10,000 sq.ft. Nottingham is already home to global companies like E.ON, Boots, Speedo and Paul Smith which have reaped the benefits of the cost competitive location with salary and office costs between 5-7 per cent lower than the UK average – so we expect this scheme to grab the attention of similar organisations.
Location is key to why we decided to develop this site. Situated close to Nottingham train station, at the heart of the city’s tram network, in the middle of the Southside area –it is a prime location for businesses seeking sleek transport connections throughout the UK and beyond. Nottingham has needed a scheme like this for a very long time, with agents noting the lack of Grade A office space for years.
Our aim with this development is to take office space in Nottingham to a new level. As well as location, the quality of the building itself will also be a significant attraction to businesses. With a double height foyer, lots of natural light, flexibility for businesses to use the space they choose formally or informally and impressive ‘green’ credentials, 11 Station Street will really will stand out to those looking to Nottingham as a place to expand and grow their businesses.
The scheme has been designed to appeal to a variety of businesses or one sole occupier looking for a new base in the city. Businesses which move in to the new development will have global brands on their doorstep, such as Capital One and Ikano, and will be just a stone’s throw away from the bustling heart of the city.
We’re working with leading property advisor JLL to represent the scheme, and their feedback has been extremely positive from the word go. We’re all very aware that high quality office space is in scarce supply in Nottingham with agents predicting city centre office take up will increase this year – further proving the need for schemes of the quality of 11 Station Street.
Investing in our city’s core is a sure-fire way to attract larger corporates looking to relocate out of London to more cost effective regional centres, bringing with them jobs and unique boosts for our local economy. 11 Station Street couldn’t be better placed in terms of design and location, offering excellent connectivity and access to amenities, which is essential for helping occupiers retain and attract top talent and helps our indigenous professional and corporate occupiers to plan for upsizing, downsizing or upgrading of their current accommodation.
The office space, which faces the new pedestrianised area on Station Street, will offer secure basement parking and cycle storage, 24-hour access, electric car charging points and high quality contemporary finishes as well as backing on to a waterway aspect. The building will also feature a roof garden – which would be one of Nottingham’s first dedicated office developments to offer a roof terrace for employees overlooking the city.
The scheme already benefits from an approved development brief and will be followed by a detailed planning application later this year.
Privately owned and based in Nottingham, Bildurn has experience in developing commercial and mixed-use schemes, both new build and refurbishment, for a range of occupiers. Notable Bildurn schemes in the city include The Pod, Lace Market Square and 1-9 Bridlesmith Gate.