News News in Brief


The exterior aesthetic is key in the planning process of any building. Berry Systems offers an extensive range of cladding and façade options that not only provide planners with a myriad of choice for that bespoke appearance but are also a sustainable solution. These sustainable options include expanded mesh, which can be produced with zero waste, green walls to support climbing plants, environmentally friendly composite timber cladding and Sto Glass, made from 96 percent recycled glass.


Occupyd, a first-of-its-kind online marketplace that connects businesses and individuals searching for workspace with companies looking to monetise their extra capacity.Here’s how it works: a property that’s available to rent, or has extra capacity, can advertise on Occupyd for small businesses or entrepreneurs to rent. This provides income for the owner - during a time when it’s needed most - and cuts down the financial responsibility for the occupant. Monetising capacity, which would otherwise be empty, or renting out supplementary workspace could be a goldmine for some companies.


Thames Valley property consultancy Vail Williams, reports a surge in demand for Grade A office space in Bracknell, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A town dominated by the burgeoning technology sector throughout the 2000s, it struggled in the aftermath of the 2008 recession. For many years, commercial property rents failed to recover and Bracknell became overlooked as place to locate.Guy Parkes, partner at Vail Williams: “What was once its Achilles heel is now its strength, as the IT sector booms in Bracknell, fuelling a long-awaited office market revival for the town.”


A leading IoT leader has stated that rapid advancements in technology are allowing facility managers to realise a quick return on investment, both in terms of reduced energy and maintenance costs. Smart building management, according to Smarter Technologies, can consist of a phased approach or a complete overhaul, delivering a sustainable blueprint for the future. This includes improvements in employee wellbeing, operational efficiencies, energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and higher productivity.


Topland has announced the completion of a £1.25 million refurbishment at 33 Bristol, a stand-out office building in Bristol’s business district. Over 12,000 sq. ft. has already been let, and Hartnell Taylor Cook - alongside joint agents JLL and Burston Cook - are now bringing 33,850 sq. ft. of prime stock to market. With improved cycling provisions, energy efficient air conditioning and electric car charging, the significant existing lettings highlight that, for quality and safe spaces, Bristol’s office market is flourishing despite uncertainty.


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Hertfordshire-based commercial property investor and developer Mantle is re- locating its central Cambridge business centre to Nine Hills Road, in the heart of Cambridge’s business district. The current centre at 20 Station Road is being replaced to meet growing demand for flexible office space. Mantle has taken a 10-year lease from University of Cambridge at Nine Hills Road, a 30,000 sq ft building. This is double the size of Mantle’s existing CB1 Centre at 20 Station Road, which the new centre will replace.


National chartered surveyors, Bruton Knowles, has predicted its National Valuation Team volumes will return to pre pandemic levels by the end of the year. Ian Pitt, Partner at Bruton Knowles comments: “Valuations are an important part of our service delivery and an area that we have focused on growing over a number of years. “We want to maximise the skills and technology within our core values in order to provide accurate advice to our clients – whilst delivering the valuation service quickly and efficiently.”


Codelocks helps businesses prepare for reopening with new KitLock a Simple access control solutions for the workplace, gym or education facilities. Codelocks has expanded its KitLock range, giving customers a wider choice of keyless access solutions for cabinets and lockers. The new KL15 Public Function KitLock by Codelocks is ideal for multiple users who require access to shared storage.


UK wire products manufacturer William Hughes is forecast to save approximately £35,000 in energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by 100 tonnes per year following the installation of a optimised SolarEdge PV system at its headquarters in Stalbridge, Dorset. Part-funded by a £100,000 grant from Low Dorset Carbon, the 400kW installation is expected to deliver electricity at a levelised cost of only 3.2p/kWh compared to the 9p/kWh paid on average by UK manufacturers, achieving payback in just 3.8 years.


As Bristol continues to ready itself for the return of office workers, a major refurbishment has commenced at a central office building with the aim of providing the city with grade A business accommodation within a sustainable design. The significant modernisation project at 10 Victoria Street is scheduled to complete in September 2021 and will be one of just a handful of buildings conducting works of this scale in Bristol this year. CSquared and Hartnell Taylor Cook are the appointed agents.


LEDVANCE’S second edition of their damp- proof luminaire builds on the success of the first generation for even better lighting quality. They are ideal for vertical illumination of factories and warehouses


where high ceilings, dust, moisture and a lack of daylight cause challenges. Long maintenance intervals make them suitable for long operating times of indoor car parks. Installation is simple and easy thanks to quick-open stainless steel mounting clips and tool-free wiring.


Central and Cecil (C&C) has promoted Tim Michaelsen to Director of People & Organisational Effectiveness. Tim was previously Head of People & HR Technology Systems, a position he occupied since joining the organisation in 2019. He replaces Steve Tree, who is taking a career break.C&C has also announced the appointments of Victoria Kanasonkaite, who has joined as Senior Manager, Colleague Relations & Experience, and Craig Dale, who joins as Learning & Talent Development Manager.


New research from data-driven workplace transformation company OpenSensors, reveals 9 in 10 offices are changing layouts, as 1 in 3 companies reduce office space, while 1 in 2 expect to expand their office footprint. OpenSensors CEO and founder Yodit Stanton, commented: “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach for the workplace. What’s clear is companies need new insights to support their office and team. Now is the start of a new era of the data-driven office.”


RO Group, has sold its freehold in Napier Court, Reading to Peveril Securities Limited & their joint venture partner Sladen Estates Limited. Napier Court is a self-contained office campus of three buildings of c. 46,200 sq. ft net internal floor area and 217 parking spaces, within five minutes’ walk of Reading’s mainline rail and bus stations.


Bruntwood SciTech, the UK’s leading property provider dedicated to the growth of the science and technology sector, has been selected by the University of Manchester as its preferred bidder to deliver the £1.5bn innovation district - ID Manchester. It has the potential to create over 10,000 new jobs in the next 10-15 years and the internationally-significant project will cement the UK’s position in the science and technology sector; providing vital specialist infrastructure to power the growth of the knowledge economy and unlock the potential to commercialise R&D innovation, supporting the UK to build back better and level up.


Retirement living specialist Churchill Retirement Living has appointed Gary Day to its Plc Board as its new Land, Design and Planning Director. Gary will work closely with the existing senior team across the Group to spearhead a new land buying campaign and to ensure the delivery of timely planning consents. By increasing the amount of land purchases and successful planning consents, he will be pivotal to driving forward the company’s ambitious growth plan.


COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2021


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