BAM Construction broke ground on CEG’s EQ development in Bristol City Centre this week, becoming the largest speculative office development currently underway in the south of England
BAM has been appointed to deliver the striking glass building at 111 Victoria Street, close to Bristol Temple Meads Station.
Architect Aukett Swanke has designed the building with sustainability, amenity, health and wellbeing at its core.
Targeting BREEAM Outstanding, the building provides photovoltaic units on the roof, rainwater harvesting, efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems, extensive cycling parking, showers, electric vehicle and e-bike charging points and will be connected to Bristol City Council’s District Heating Network.
Raising the bar in terms of quality, occupant wellbeing and sustainability, the EQ development will provide 20,000 sq ft of occupier amenities such as a rooftop bar, restaurant and business lounge with communal terrace, ground floor café kitchen, 50 seat auditorium, as well as a fitness suite and break out space.
In a first for Bristol, a dedicated bicycle entrance and ramp from Temple Street to the basement provides easy access to more than 260 cycle spaces, which is in excess of industry standard.
Over 500 construction jobs will be created per annum during the two-year build programme, as well as six local apprenticeship opportunities.
Once complete, the building will accommodate over 2,000 people and will deliver £466 million GVA per annum from direct and indirect operational jobs.
Designed as a Smart Tech enabled building, there will also be fewer touchpoints, increased air changes and air quality sensors, benefitting occupiers in a post-Covid world.
Build back better together
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: ‘As we face severe recession, contraction to Bristol’s economy and employment losses, news of such a major sustainable investment to bring job opportunities and social value to our city is hugely positive and welcome.
“Working with city partners to achieve Bristol’s potential, our economic renewal should be focused on tackling inequality and building a fair, healthy and sustainable city.
“This type of sustainable development will help us build back better together.”
Paul Richardson, investment manager at CEG, said: ‘We are making an immediate start on site in order to be in a position to offer 200,000 sq ft of the highest quality office space ready for occupation by the first quarter of 2023.
“There is an acute shortage in supply of Grade A offices in Bristol and we’ve already seen a record number of pre let office deals in the city this year.
“We adopt an innovative approach to leasing, to deliver flexibility, as well as offering tenant fit outs, which reduces an occupier’s capital spend traditionally associated with a relocation.”
