Global design and engineering company Stantec UK has opened an office in Bristol city centre as it seeks to get closer to its clients across the South West.
The Canadian firm, formerly called MWH, has taken a 10-year lease on 2,333 sq ft on the second floor of PS21 in Prince Street – making it the sixth firm to move into the former TSB regional office, following its 2016 acquisition and refurbishment by Gloucestershire-based developer Robert Hitchins. 
A top-tier global design and delivery firm, it already has an office in Cardiff and employs more than 2,000 people in the UK and 22,000 across the world.
Its major UK projects have included water treatment and distribution schemes, energy from waste plants, hospitals and academic buildings.
Stantec UK procurement manager Carol Daniels said: “PS21 suits us perfectly because of its location in the heart of Bristol. It’s a very good quality space with all the amenities we need and the transport links are ideal. We already have an office in Cardiff and our new presence in Bristol puts us close to our clients in the South West.”
Robert Hitchins senior development manager Michael Plimmer added: “We’re really pleased to secure our sixth letting at PS21 in a short space of time. The prime city centre position close to bars, restaurants and shops has made it a sought-after location for growing businesses keen to attract top talent who favour the city centre working environment,” he said.
PS21 was home to 300 TSB finance, communications and HR staff until the bank closed it in 2015. Following its refurbishment, it provides light, open office space with air conditioning, shower facilities, fitted kitchens, bike store and parking, and close to city amenities and is suitable for a wide range of occupiers.
Other tenants are national recruitment agency Blue Arrow, essential business services provider kinex, Rapleys property and planning consultancy Concert Consulting and global engineering company Ricardo.
Joint letting agents were Knight Frank and CBRE. Andy Smith from Knight Frank said: “Availability in this size band of the market is low, especially if occupiers are seeking high-end accommodation. We’ve been very pleased with the quality of interest.”
Robert Hitchins is one of the leading property developers and investors in the South West and South Wales. It deals with the full development process from site acquisition and planning through to development and investment.
