NEWS
BIRMINGHAM WELL-PLACED FOR RELOCATING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
Aug 2009
Birmingham could be one step closer to benefiting from the government’s departmental relocation programme according to Stuart Ladds, head of relocation and regional strategy at the Office of Government Commerce.
Speaking at the pre-completion event for Birmingham’s flagship Langley Point development - one of the city’s top ‘green’ buildings and a major contender for relocating departments – Mr Ladds said more relocations are planned and that Birmingham could prove to be an ideal target location.
He said: “We are looking forward to the redevelopment of New Street station and Birmingham will continue to be an area of interest and occupation over the next 10 years.”
Mr Ladds, who heads up the programme relocating 20,000 civil service posts out of London and the South East, explained that new buildings like the BREEAM excellent rated Langley Point will be crucial to the programme.
“Our latest report shows much has been done to rationalise the Government estate, but we still occupy too much space, with much of the property being traditional office buildings which are inefficient and unsustainable.
“Significantly, just 7 per cent of the Government estate is new space and very little now complies with new government guidelines.”
Last year the government introduced new standards for workspace which require 10 sq m per full-time equivalent employee for all new office buildings.
Compounding these is new guidance under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive which puts increased pressure on departments to occupy more energy efficient buildings.
“New legislation brings additional challenges when applied to an estate which is diverse, complex and constrained by age, configuration and historical significance. That’s why we need to look at more sustainable options,” added Mr Ladds.
As an exemplar of green design, Langley Point – which is being brought forward by Folkes Holdings, Corum and Trigram Properties – has been purpose designed to keep running and maintenance costs for the occupier to a minimum, incorporating energy-efficient features such as chilled beam cooling and solar-heated water technology.
There is still the opportunity for occupiers to put their individual stamp on the 44,500 sq ft Langley Point, which is yet to be completed.
Colour schemes and carpets can all be specified to match individual occupier requirements. Added-extras such as additional storage space in the scheme’s generous undercover car parking facilities can also be requested.
At only £23.50 per sq ft, Langley Point is available at one of the most competitive rents in Birmingham. It is also the only BREEAM ‘Excellent’ building available under 100,000 sq ft
With impressive views over the city, light streaming in from floor to ceiling windows, it is a building which promises to be an inspirational place to work.
Situated in the prominent Park Central development at the Bath Row junction with Holloway Head, the building enjoys excellent access to the city’s transport links and leisure facilities, being just a few minute’s walk from Five Ways and New Street stations; the Bullring; the Mailbox; served by 9 major bus routes as well as affording rapid access to national motorway networks via the A38 and M6.
A show floor is now available for viewing on request.
