The world's leading scuba diving training organisation is relocating its largest regional headquarters to The Pavilions, just off Bedminster Down. The announcement from PADI Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) comes as The Pavilions freeholder and main occupier, Computershare, undertakes a multi-million pound refurbishment of the 225,000 sq ft building to include a new gym, restaurant, café and meeting rooms.
PADI EMEA has acquired approximately 22,000 sq ft on a 15-year lease and intends to move into The Pavilions in January 2013 following completion of the extensive refurbishment and their own internal fit out.
Neil Fishburne, vice president of finance and operations at PADI said: "When completed, The Pavilions will provide a range of amenities that can only assist in attracting and retaining high calibre staff. In our search for new premises we considered a wide range of options. The Pavilions showed itself to be a clear first choice."
Computershare EMEA chief financial officer Nick Oldfield said: "We have invested considerable resource into the refurbishment project to ensure that we provide an outstanding work environment, not only for our own employees but to appeal to other businesses who are looking for premises in the Bristol area. We have an abundance of space and we're looking forward to sharing The Pavilions with PADI who appreciate the benefits that good location, amenities and surroundings can bring."
Knight Frank are retained by Computershare to advise on the disposal of a further 50,000 sq ft of working space following refurbishment. In total, The Pavilions comprises approximately 225,000 sq ft in an 18-acre parkland setting with 750 car parking spaces.
