Plans for a landmark office building in central Bristol were released today with its developers calling it a clear sign of optimism in the market.
London & County want to build the showpiece 88,000 sq ft, nine-storey building (pictured below) – to be called Victoria Central and visually similar to New York’s iconic Flatiron Building – on a prominent corner site Victoria Street and property agents are already marketing it as ideal for a company headquarters.
They say its high-specification offices, floor-to-ceiling windows and far-reaching views over the city will make it a prestigious address for a major business while its ground floor will be a magnet for retail occupiers and restaurants.
The London-based developer acquired the site, now occupied by a smaller 1970’s office building, in 2004 for £6.65m. Planning permission was received three years ago.
The firm has worked closely with the Bristol City Council and the Redcliffe Futures conservation group to come up with a design which it described as “both striking and in keeping with the area whilst being a practical space for modern business”.
London & County director Simon Blair told the launch event for the scheme, which was attended by 20 of the city’s leading office agents: “Victoria Central will be one of the most iconic office buildings in Bristol.
“At present there is a lack of supply of grade A space in the city centre and a limited development pipeline.
“A combination of this and our optimism that the market will begin to improve over the next 12 to 18 months has given us the confidence to announce the building to the market in order to capitalise on some of the speculative enquiries which will begin to come through.”
DTZ and Burston Cook have been instructed as joint agents for the scheme.
Andy Smith of DTZ’s Bristol office said: “The location means it will be highly prominent and offers a real opportunity for a headquarters facility in the city centre.”
Jayne Rixon of Burston Cook added: “In keeping with businesses drive to a greener agenda the building has been designed with a sustainability rating of BREEAM ‘excellent’. The space will provide a first-class working environment with large open plan floor plates, air conditioning, raised floors and floor-to-ceiling glazing.”
The building is being offered on both a freehold and leasehold basis.
