The landmark Southampton office building 2 Charlotte Place is now fully occupied for the first time in its history after an extensive refurbishment programme attracted a string of tenants.
Kingsbridge Estates purchased the city centre building in 2019 before investing in an extensive refurbishment, creating features including shower changing facilities, secure bicycle shelter, a new glazed reception area, business lounge, improved access and collaborative spaces.
The refurbishment also included sustainability improvements which raised the building’s Energy Performance Rating (EPC) from C to B.
Since the works completed the nine-storey, 80,000 sq ft building has attracted a string of lettings. The latest – the letting of a fully fitted office on the fifth floor to sustainability consultancy ERM, brings the building to full occupancy for first time since it was built 20 years ago.
Rachel Lacklison, Asset Manager at Kingsbridge Estates, said: “Our work at 2 Charlotte Place is a prime example of our commitment to creating exciting and dynamic spaces, adding value to a local landmark building and creating an exceptional office environment.
“Having recognised the huge potential of the building, our significant investment proved instrumental in bringing high calibre businesses into the heart of Southampton. We are proud to have reached complete occupancy and look forward to playing our part in the continued success of all the businesses that have made 2 Charlotte Place their home.”
ERM is a global consultancy that partners with organisations to help them create strategic and technical solutions to sustainability challenges, addressing environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues and unlocking commercial opportunities.
It joins occupiers including Utmost Wealth Management, the law firm Hugh James, infrastructure consultants AECOM, streaming solutions business MediaKind, and the law firm Clyde & Co at 2 Charlotte Place. The success of the refurbished building has also supported local amenities such as Partners in Coffee, which trades in the courtyard area.
Realest and Vail Williams acted as agents for Kingsbridge Estates at 2 Charlotte Place, with Realest advising on the ERM deal.
Steve Williams, Director at Realest, said: “We have been delighted to work with Kingsbridge Estates on this exciting project. Our building surveying department, led by Robert Haynes, project managed the various refurbishments and fit outs within the building to enhance its offering to the market. Our subsequent appointment as joint letting agent has enabled a close collaborative working relationship across our internal business lines but also with our client and our joint agents.
Our experience has been that the office market is far from quiet, rather occupiers are seeking better quality accommodation, space for collaborative working and ways to improve business culture, employment and growth. 2 Charlotte Place is a perfect example of what can be achieved when a landlord is willing to invest and adapt to market conditions. The enhancements have future proofed the building and it is testament to Kingsbridge Estates that the building is fully let for the first time in 20 years.”
Nik Cox, a Partner at Vail Williams in Southampton, said: “The fifth floor had never been let until Kingsbridge Estates came in and subdivided the space into three suites as plug-and-play deals. This is where the landlord undertakes the fit-out works and provides furnished units so occupiers can move in immediately, with the costs spread over the term of the lease rather than being paid upfront.
“Office landlords which invest in ESG credentials, with thoughtfully designed amenities to suit the post-pandemic hybrid working lives of staff, are attracting environmentally-aware companies – and Kingsbridge Estates is very much leading by example.
“With the latest tenancies, full house can be called at 2 Charlotte Place, for the first time since it was built some 20 years ago.”
