Work is to begin next month on a major Bristol city centre office scheme following the appointment of its main contractor.
One Portwall Square developer Nord has appointed Skanska on the six-storey, 33,750 sq ft building next to Bristol City Council’s 100 Temple Street office. Construction is due to complete late next year. 
Designed by Stirling Prize winners Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) – which will relocate its Bristol office there from Queen Charlotte St – the scheme is Nord’s first office development and combines contemporary architecture with what Nord called a focus on tenant amenity, wellbeing and sustainability.
As well as a new landscaped public square at the front of the property, each upper floor will boast a generous terrace.
Nord also said as part of a flexible mixed mode system, windows will be able to open throughout the building to work with a passive in-slab cooling system and super high ceilings to create the best work environment for occupiers – comfort cooled workspaces with quality daylight, fresh air and outdoor space.
As a result, One Portwall Square will be committed to outstanding sustainability, energy efficiency and connectivity and will be built to BREEAM Excellent and EPC Rating A standards, Nord said.
It has already achieved WiredScore Certification Platinum and CyclingScore Certification Platinum in recognition of its exceptional connectivity and cycling provision.
It will also connect with Bristol City Council’s new District Heat Network to provide a more sustainable way of heating that offers cost efficiencies and a greener energy source. 
Nord founder Richard Jones, pictured, said One Portwall Square would be a new type of office for Bristol,
“We look forward to delivering a best-in-class new commercial scheme unique for Bristol,” he said.
“This is a vibrant, creative and innovative city and our office responds to it with workspaces for a modern generation of tenants who are looking for a stylish, healthy, sustainable and connected place to work.”
Skanska regional director John Brennan added: “Since negotiations began, we have worked closely with Nord and are delighted to sign this contract so we can use our knowledge and expertise to deliver this exciting, sustainable project for them.”
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris founding director Paul Monaghan said: “We are delighted to have reached this key point in the delivery of One Portwall Square, which will be not only an important new building for Bristol but also AHMM’s new home in the city.”
London-based Nord describes itself as an independent boutique development and development management company with a “rigorous attention to detail targeting high standards of design and construction quality, it strives to provide smart design solutions to make great places for people to enjoy”.
Stockholm stock exchange-listed Skanska has been behind a number of Bristol schools and other flagship projects such as accountancy group KPMG’s Queen Square office.
United Trust Bank has provided funding to Nord for the One Portwall Square development.
